Okay, as parents, we want our kids to understand that sometimes we just need to do things that aren't any fun. We want them to have a strong work ethic, whether at a job, at home, in a sport, whatever.
At the same time, however, we want them to have a career that they find enjoyable some day, and it is never too soon to talk about what that might look like! So, let's take a look at some careers, first.
Books
9781416928201
A bump on his knee,
a class full of sniffles,
a principal with foot odor
and not a doctor to be found...
Ted knows it is time to become Doctor Ted.
Well, what else is a bear to do?
Together with Artist Ted and Firefighter Ted, this will get your day off to a giggly start. Ted has his own ideas of what each career entails, down to the
equipment needed. He is also armed with a great deal of creativity, and an unshakable sense of self-confidence.
9780688127831
An older title still in print, children get to feel smarter than the author as they work on categorizing and logical thinking.
9780761390251
Firefighter Jim works at the fire department. He knows how to handle all kinds of emergencies. He shows a group of kids how he does his job. Let’s hear it for firefighters!
Of course there are hundreds of titles for individual career possibilities. This set from Lerner is one of my favorites, and also includes Librarian, Construction Worker, Dentist, Doctor, Police Officer, Teacher and Veterinarian. In the above title, I was happy to see details beyond the 'usual', such as the other jobs firefighters might do (helping with traffic accidents and other emergencies), and a guide to making your own fire escape plan.
9780375943423
A young girl thoughtfully considers her family tree and the vibrant ancestors who populate it. As each family member’s story is revealed, her quiet meditation—about what kind of person she’ll be when she grows up—transforms into a testament to the importance of sharing family stories.
One way to start talking about possible careers is to look at the careers your family members have, and how they fit that person, as this young girl does. Don't be surprised if your kids don't know what the adults in their life do!
9781662651045
Little Jesús is excited to spend a Saturday with his landscaper Papá at the “family business.” He loves Papá’s cool truck and all the tools he gets to use. Papá even puts him in charge of the magical water jug, which is also a clock! When it's empty, Papá explains, the workday will be done. It’s a big job, and Jesús wants to do it right. But he just can’t help giving water to an array of thirsty animals—a dog in a sweater, some very old cats, and a flock of peacocks. Before he knows it, the magical water jug is empty —but the workday’s not over yet! Will Jesús be fired?! Or is the jug not really magical after all? This mischievous tale of a very young comedian’s life lesson will warm hearts and have class clowns, practical jokers, and all high-spirited kids nodding in sympathy.
This Pura Belpre award winner was practically made for the theme! Papa tries to make the work day fun for Jesus, and in turn Jesus tries to make the day more fun for Papa. Look below for some ideas to make work around your home more fun!
Does anyone in your family have a 'family business'? Do you know anybody who does?
Community/Writing
Start a poster or scrapbook of jobs your family and friends have had. Interview them and find out things like;
- what were the requirements to get that job?
- what were the fun things about that job?
- what parts were not so fun?
- what did they do on a daily basis?
- why did they leave that job? Why did they stay?
Bonus points if you can get pictures to illustrate your posters/scrapbooks!
Most adults have held several jobs in their lifetime, so make sure you include them all. It is important for kids to see that, just as they don't have to lock themselves into a career choice now, they can also make changes 30 or 40 years from now. The important thing is to be able to evaluate reasons, advantages, and disadvantages.
Math
1 - Before talking about what career your child might want to have some day, talk about what characteristics they might want that job to have. Do they like to do the same thing every day, or something different? Do they like to work alone, or in a group? Do they want to be in charge (with all the responsibilities that come with that), or let someone else be the boss and leave their work behind at the end of the day? How important is salary? Location? Coolness factor? After you make a list, rank them in order from most important to least. Assign a points scale to those rankings, and as you look at different potential careers, give them a score.
2 - Mom or Dad's paycheck looks like a windfall to kids who don't have to pay the bills! Talk about gross vs net income, and where all that money in between goes. Then talk about budgeting. Does your child get an allowance or earn money for chores? Is there something they would like to buy? Help them work out a budget showing how much they will need to save/earn each week or month in order to have that money by a goal date.
Speaking
Any job can be fun with the right attitude. Look at all the careers you have learned about from your family and from your own exploration. "Sell" those careers to your audience in commercial format!
Home
Part of our 'job' right now is just being a part of our family, and that means helping out at home. The laundry needs to be done whether it is fun or not so why not make it fun? Brainstorm ways to add some silliness or enjoyment or just plain diversity to the task. Can we play music while sorting and try to move with the rhythm? Guess how many socks there will be and see who is correct? Let the kids come up with ideas and try to use them, even if it makes things take a little longer. Maybe we'll mop every other step on the way down the stairs, then get the others on the way up, and use stuffed animals to mark our spots - will it take twice as long? Sure! But it will get done with less complaining, and that is worth SO much more.
Cooking
How can you make work more fun for someone else? Bring them treats! Fun shaped sugar cookies should do the trick. I am now going to share with you my super-secret-stays-soft sugar cookie recipe, handed down from an old family friend. Super easy, but SO good:
Martha Drown's Sugar Cookies
Cream:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
Mix in:4 eggs
Then:
1 tsp soda in 1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
pinch salt
and add to butter/sugar/eggs
Then:4 cups flour
Cover and chill at least a few hours (I like to put it in a container with a lid and chill overnight). Roll out and cut into desired shapes, sprinkle colored sugar on top or frost after baking. Bake at 350 until golden brown on the bottoms.
Perfect for your favorite veterinarian!
Other Web Sites
Which of these can you adapt to your home schooling? (Psst - probably skip #6. Or make butter beer!) https://gethppy.com/employee-engagement/10-ways-to-make-work-more-fun-and-increase-productivity
There are many career tests out there, this one is aimed towards kids and comes up with a range of possibilities: http://www.kidzworld.com/quiz/quiz-find-your-ideal-career-path (take time to block pop-ups before you begin)
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