A sensitive topic: Mum, does that mean I won't find a job later?
Children ask questions that often honestly worry parents. The question „Mum, does that mean I won't find a job later?“ reflects fears about the future. Uncertainties about education and career choices are widespread today. Parents therefore often find themselves in the situation of accompanying their child through this development, allaying fears and offering guidance.
It is important to take this question seriously and talk about it openly. Because many young people ask themselves exactly that. Parents can be supportive by discovering a wide range of opportunities together with their child and encouraging their offspring's talents.
Why do children ask: „Mum, does that mean I won't find a job later?“
The multitude of training and study opportunities overwhelms many young people. Because they lose sight of the big picture, they are increasingly worried that they will not find a suitable path. In addition, children often do not yet understand how important it is to recognise and develop their own strengths.
Here are three examples of parents reporting what moves their children:
1 A mother says that her son said during the interview: „Mum, does that mean I won't find a job later?“ because he felt overwhelmed by more than 300 training occupations.
2 A father reports that his daughter raised the question because she was unsure about her career choice. Together they took online tests to gain clarity.
3 Another mother observed that her child expressed this thought when she became afraid of bad grades. The parents explained how different paths are still possible later on.
How parents can support their child in choosing a career
Parents are the most important counsellors for their children. They can give them a sense of security and provide impetus. The following approaches can help:
- Discover strengths and interests together: Support your child in their self-exploration. Online tools such as planet-beruf.de offer simple tests that are fun for children.
- Enable internships: Practical experience provides insights into real working life and helps to better assess professions.
- Have open conversations: Talk about fears about the future and show different perspectives.
- Take advantage of career counselling: Experts can provide neutral and competent advice - take your child along to appointments.
Here are three examples of what parents do:
1 Sabine, mother of two teenagers, actively accompanies her children to careers counselling appointments and helps with researching apprenticeships.
2 Thomas organises interviews with craft businesses for his son so that he can get to know the trades.
3 Maria motivates her daughter to do several internships to explore different professional fields.
On the subject of „Mum, does that mean I won't find a job later?“: The importance of support and encouragement
When children ask this question, they are primarily looking for guidance and security. They need reassurance that the path to a career is varied. Parents can thus reduce anxiety and create prospects.
Many parents report that this phase in particular requires intensive dialogue and mutual trust. Support should not be pressurised, but rather provide impetus so that children can find their own way.
Three concrete examples of parents who have accompanied their child through motivation:
1 Lena repeatedly emphasised that you can also take detours to get to your dream job. Her son felt less overwhelmed as a result.
2 Klaus patiently explained to his daughter that there are many opportunities on the labour market and that further training is always possible.
3 Petra encouraged her son to do voluntary work alongside school to strengthen social skills that employers value.
My analysis
The question „Mum, does that mean I won't find a job later?“ is an expression of the understandable uncertainty that many children experience during the career orientation phase. Parents play a crucial role in supporting the early career guidance process. They provide security, promote strengths and open up perspectives. Programmes such as the kikidz.org training courses support precisely this guidance by providing parents with practical methods and knowledge to best accompany children on their career path.
Parents have the task of approaching the topic of career choice with their children in an open and supportive manner. Encouragement, practical tips and clear information can alleviate fears and boost confidence that there are many ways to find the career of their choice. Parents should not be afraid to seek help from experts or counselling services.
Further links from the text above:
Successful career choice: How to support your child
Parents as career guidance counsellors
For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic Children and artificial intelligence here. Click here for the courses: Children and artificial intelligence courses
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