- How do we help our children discover their talents, interests or that elusive word, “passions”?
- How do we help them choose a career path?
- How do we equip them to launch into adult life as independent young people with enough skills to succeed in a chosen career path?
Almost every home educating parent suffers from the dis-ease called, “Am-I-Doing-Enough?“
We all wonder and worry and then worry and wonder if it will all work out! You are not alone!
In a world star-struck by reality shows like [Country name’s] Got Talent, we forget that talent is only a small part of success. It’s the people who DEVELOP their talents or deepen their interests who are the most successful in life. But how do we help our children discover their something they want to work at?
As parents so many of us worry because many children DON’T have a clear direction or goal they wish to pursue. What do we DO to help them find their passion or purpose?
In a book, titled Grit – The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Angela Duckworth wrote: “Before hard work comes play.”
Play Before Work
Young people need opportunities to “play around” and learn more about the tools of the trade or the field that interests them. Sometimes it takes a number of different triggers or key moments, in a field before a teen or young adult makes a decision about what he or she wishes to pursue.
“Interests are not discovered through introspection. Instead, interests are triggered by interactions with the outside world.”
Angela Duckworth
As homeschoolers, we should try to give our children a wide range of those kinds of non-academic and non-classroom-like experiences. They can discover what they like and what they don’t like. Often they “play” in the same field as their parents’ work and learn valuable skills, just by living alongside them!
People always ask children what they want to BE when they grow up, instead of asking them what they CARE about.
When children find an interest, they thrive when they have encouraging supporters – parents, grandparents, tutors, mentors, coaches and peers, rather than people who say negative things like – “It’s fine to pursue your [art or music or sport or hobby] but how are you going to pay the bills?” Even if that warning is well-intended, it can discourage a child from pursuing what he loves and might become very successful at doing as a career.
Sometimes, we also have to allow our children to try things and fail. Rather fail now, while living at home, than as adults when the stakes are higher. Many successful people tried and failed at a number of things before accomplishing that thing that has made them famous. Failure is part of learning what works.
Perseverance is only developed when something is hard! Duckworth said, “Necessity is the mother of adaption.” 
I’ve had conversations with my teens about what interests them and some of them still come up blank – no ideas, no clearly defined interests …so we just plod on with the academic basics and living life together, until they decide what they want to pursue. We talk about different job options, like starting a business, taking industry-specific exams, studying at university and the pros and cons of various other options.
Don’t stress. Give your children time. My three eldest children were all over 20, before they chose a starting point in a specific career direction. They worked, ran a home-based business or studied short courses or part-time until that point, getting valuable life experiences in the process. (Yes, I did worry too, until they made a decision! With hindsight, I now have the confidence that I can share with you!)
There is no deadline for big life decisions. Just take one opportunity at a time.
Remember, “Play before work” – find as many “playgrounds” for your children to try out as you can!
Also read our GED Success Stories and Where do GED Graduates Study?