"What do you want to be when you grow up?" Many parents ask their children this question but leave it at that, without seriously helping their children explore. In fact, primary school is a key period for building career awareness.
Do primary school children know enough about careers?
Many children have a very limited understanding of careers, thinking the world only has doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers. Through daily life and extracurricular activities, parents can help children discover many more different kinds of jobs.
How to help primary school children explore careers
First, take children to visit different places. For example, visit fire stations, museums and science centres so they can meet people from different industries.
Second, make use of extracurricular books and videos. There are now many children's books and cartoons introducing different careers that serve as excellent introductory material.
Third, ask "what is the interesting part of the job?" Guide children to think through questions, rather than directly giving them the answers.
What parents should watch out for
Never dismiss a child's dreams. For example, when a child says "I want to be a star", do not say "those aren't realistic", but ask "what attracts you to being a star?" and then guide them to explore an even wider world of careers.