If you ask a kid what they want to be when they grow up, more often than not, you will get an answer. However, equally probable is the fact that it is a whimsical reply by a kid who has only very limited experience. I have often noticed parents enrolling their kids for various activities and then being utterly disappointed when their kids refuse to partake in them after sometime. More often than not, parents make decisions about extracurricular activities that their child should be enrolled for, from an early age. However their is a major limitation to this approach- The child only gets to experience what the parents might think to be a right fit for them, hindering them from finding something that they naturally might be good at. Thus parents should ensure maximum possible exposure to the kids from an early age and encourage them to make their own choices.
The idea is to open an establishment free to the public where they can bring in their kids anytime of the week.
A Government funded or crowdfunded establishment that offers different activities under one roof. Preferably a large campus with both outdoor and indoor space.(Outdoor- gardening, pottery, surfing, swimming, riding, badminton, volleyball and other sports. Indoors- reading, STEM experiments, tinkering, carpentry, art and craft, music, coding etc.)
A supervisor or trainer for each activity that the clubhouse has to offer, to ensure that there are no mishaps and also to help the kids with any information they might seek.
Televisions installed at each activity station playing videos about the activity and illustrating some DIY tutorials on said activity.
There must be a provision for volunteer workers who wish to help kids find their passion and teach them any skill.
Donation acceptance: the public can probably contribute funds that help add to the repertoire of activities or toys and kits that can be of use to kids.
Having such a system in place will allow parents to take note of choices made by their kids when presented with a myriad of opportunities.
Parents are not supposed to guide their children or push them towards any activity. Their job is to let the child be and take note of all the areas their child gravitates towards naturally. Since all these options are available under one roof, without having to sign up for any course specially, the child gets a chance to experience whatever catches their eye and has an option of returning to the same activity on their next visit or chose an entirely different one. By doing so, one ensures maximum exposure and minimum interference in the natural course of development of one’s kids.
When kids are asked what they wish to be when they grow up, their answers might actually be based on their experiences that provide them with direction and serve as anchors when they feel lost growing up. If nothing, it will atleast allow kids to experience all the different options that the real world has to offer.
Please leave the feedback on this idea