Children who look to the future make better life choices. But this quality is rare and needs to be developed.
Risky Behaviour
Research has found that children as young as 4-5 years old can think about how the future might work for them. But it’s rare for them to think very far ahead when looking at choices. Even when they are close to doing something risky.
Even by the ages of 13 – 18, kids usually only consider choices in the context of the next day or two. And so, they’ll take big risks, thinking only of what they get out of it in the short term.
But suppose they extend their ability to review the fallout of a decision to even just a few weeks. In that case, studies show they are less likely to make poor short-term choices for themselves.
Thinking about the future is also a habit of successful people. Research has shown that achievers typically envision their future and believe they can make it happen. Of course, a High IDQ plays a big part in this ability.
Explore Your Child’s Future
Some children develop an idea of their preferred career path as early as 10. Others graduate with nothing firm in mind. These outlooks have a marked effect on where they end up.
So, considering this, it makes sense to regularly explore what the future holds with your children. And to put this question on your list of discussion ideas.
Here are some suggestions on how this idea may be easily slipped into your daily conversations;
- Ask what their dreams are for the future.
- Ask if there are some roles they know they’re not interested in.
- Talk about your child’s heroes and the people they adopt as role models. Discuss what SQAs they have. Talk about how they developed and became the people they are. You don’t have to tell them to follow suit. Maybe see what SQAs they share or could usefully learn. (See “How To Nurture Happy, Healthy And Confident Children“).
- What makes them worry about the future? How can we make sure that doesn’t happen?
- When watching TV together, discuss the careers and roles you see in the programmes. Imagine what life would be like in that job.
- Talk about how your child can lay the foundations for that future in the here and now.
Keep it Relaxed
Don’t force this; keep it relaxed. Do it often, and don’t think you must make decisions for them. Open their minds to possibilities and the idea that they can influence their future. Curate their development of a sense of purpose, and they’ll do the rest.
Looking ahead reduces risk-taking and embeds the habits of successful people. Help kids envision paths to their dreams and grow skills to get there.
Plant seeds now for a solid future. Guide them, but let their inner compass emerge. With vision and purpose, they’ll steer towards bright horizons. The future belongs to those who can see it coming.
What Next?
Previous Chapter: Rule 4 Part 2: How To Instill A Sense of Purpose
The 5 Rules for Inspirational Parenting Index