When I was growing up, I didn’t feel like I had many options for my future career. It seemed like there were only two choices: become a teacher or a nurse. In hindsight, I’m grateful I became a nurse. But I also think that limiting view of my possibilities shaped the way I approached my career and, eventually, the way I helped my own children think about their futures.
As a mother of six, I’ve come to understand the importance of encouraging my kids to dream big and explore all the career possibilities available to them. Like many blended families, mine has a unique dynamic involving stepmothers and stepfathers, which has provided diverse viewpoints and growth opportunities. Through it all, I’ve learned that the most important thing I can do for my children is show them that the world is full of career opportunities, from college and trade schools to family businesses.
It’s our job to empower our kids to dream big and take ownership of their futures. Helping them understand the vast array of career options — whether they pursue a college education, trade school, or take over a family business — can set them up for a life of fulfillment, growth, and success.
Early Goal Setting: The Foundation for a Bright Future
Kids as young as 5 or 6, kids can begin to dream about what they want to be when they grow up. But it’s not just about saying “you can be anything,” it’s about helping them understand that hard work, commitment, and curiosity are essential for success.
I’ve always told my children that pursuing a career requires effort, but the payoff is worth it. Whether they dream of becoming doctors, film directors, or mechanics, fostering curiosity and exploration is crucial. By engaging in conversations about various careers, art, science, technology, or hands-on work like fixing things, I’ve helped them see what excites them, laying the groundwork for their future dreams.
Embracing All Career Paths: College, Trade School, and Beyond
One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make is assuming their child must go to college to be successful. While college is a great option for many careers, it isn’t the only path. My own nursing career didn’t require a traditional four-year degree. Instead, I went to nursing school and gained clinical experience. Countless successful professionals have taken alternative routes, whether through vocational schools, apprenticeships, or certification programs.
Encourage your child to explore all options. College is ideal for fields like engineering or education, but many careers in the trades — electricians, carpenters, HVAC technicians — offer excellent job security and higher pay with less schooling. The demand for skilled workers is growing, and trade schools can be a fast track to a stable career.
My husband runs a family business. Our children have grown up seeing the value of entrepreneurship and hard work. Some are interested in running their own businesses, which has taught them valuable lessons about responsibility, problem-solving, and leadership. By exposing them to different career paths, they can see that success doesn’t depend on following a single route. Whether through trade school, family businesses, or college, they can build fulfilling careers.
Building a Strong Sense of Self-Esteem and Confidence
As children develop their interests, it’s vital to nurture their self-esteem. Having dreams and setting goals fosters growth, encourages responsibility, and builds confidence. When my kids get passionate about something — whether it’s sports, acting, or computer gaming — I encourage them to think about how those hobbies could one day lead to careers. This helps them see that their passions can shape their futures.
I also remind them that it’s okay to change their minds. Encouraging a growth mindset means recognizing that career dreams can evolve. I want my children to understand that it’s normal to adapt and embrace new interests as they grow, and that it’s empowering to own their decisions.
The Importance of a ‘Dream Big’ Mindset
The “dream big” mindset is essential in helping kids see the vast opportunities ahead of them. But it’s equally important to balance those big dreams with realistic expectations. We need to talk to them about the effort, sacrifices, and commitment required to succeed.
For example, if one of my children dreams of becoming a surgeon, we discuss the years of schooling, dedication, and emotional resilience necessary for such a career. These conversations help them grasp the perseverance required for any ambitious goal.
On the flip side, for kids drawn to creative pursuits like music or art, I emphasize that they can carve out successful careers in those fields too. Thanks to platforms like YouTube and Instagram, artistic careers are more accessible than ever. Dreaming big means showing them that even in the creative world, it’s possible to earn a living doing what they love.
Creating Opportunities for Career Exploration
The next step is creating opportunities for career exploration. Exposing children to various careers — whether through internships, volunteering, career fairs, or shadowing professionals — gives them a chance to see what’s possible. Even simple actions like talking about your work or letting them help with your job can spark their curiosity.
By making career exploration a part of your child’s life, you can give them the tools to visualize their future and understand that with hard work, persistence, and creativity, their dreams are achievable.
Final Thoughts: Encouraging Your Child to Dream Big
When I was younger, I never imagined that I would one day become a nurse. I thought my choices were limited. But looking back, I realize that my journey, with all its twists and turns, has been a powerful lesson for me to share with my kids. Encouraging them to explore their interests, set goals, and dream about what they want their careers to be is one of the greatest gifts we can give them as parents.
By helping them build self-confidence, embrace possibilities, and commit to their dreams, we set them up for a future full of potential. Whatever their dreams are, whether it’s becoming a doctor, working in a trade, or building their own business, the power lies in giving them the freedom to dream and the tools to make those dreams come true.
At the end of the day, the most important thing we can do as parents is to give our children the freedom to dream big and provide them with the tools and support they need to turn those dreams into reality.
Gail Louise Cox is a registered nurse by trade, a passionate teacher and writer, and a proud mom of six.
