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What are you teaching your kids? Should they go to college, get that corporate gig, and work the next 45 years in a cubicle for someone else? Or should they take your college savings and invest in themselves and start their own business?
In this week’s episode of the Crazy Dad Life podcast, Jeff shares his thoughts on these conflicting paths kids may take. He covers the pros and cons as he wrestles with these very questions as his oldest daughter prepares to leave home for college.
How do you plan to teach your kids to go forward? What did you teach as they prepared to leave the house?
Additionally, in this week’s “5 Things I Learned”, Jeff covers:
- Fitbits
- A slick use of 3D printing
- A Facebook boosted post…that actually worked!
- Audible.com
- Lessons from Beyond the To-Do List and Rachel Cruze
Let us know how you are dealing with the conflict of protecting your kids future and the capacity to pursue their passions. These may not be mutually exclusive for all kids, but some parents and kids really struggle to find the answer.
So, I’ve shepherded four daughters through the traditional path of high school -> college. One has graduated and gone to work. Two graduate this year, one headed to grad school (probably), one headed to Mexico (probably) to work. Third still in school.
My oldest son has signed with the Army Reserves, but could go DI for a track scholarship. He’s planning on enrolling in January after Basic + AIT. The path is so different I’m struggling to understand it, let alone figure out all the options along with him.
He wants to be in Special Forces, but I don’t want him to skip college. Talk about hard job as a parent, letting him pursue his passion while still wanting that college degree under his belt (along with the track competition…possibly the Olympics).
At least those are all solid options, Jeff. Your kids are definitely on the right path. And with an Army/Special Forces background, he will always be in demand. And, college will always be there. I know we’ve talked about this via other channels, but I wanted to reply here as well.
Wow Jeff – great episode! I loved it. I can see the struggle with how to guide your children and yet support them to be who they really are. When I decided to pursue ART in college… let’s just say my Dad did not agree with my choices… but I did it anyway! I think I got that from my Mom and I’m happy I did. I know he wanted what was “best” and “safe” for me, but I honestly would not be who I am today if it was not for following my own path.
Support them, guide them and nurture them… they will make the decisions that resonate with their heart and if they struggle along the way… they will learn. That education is priceless.
With you as a role model – I see nothing but success for your daughters
Light the torch, but let them forge their own path.
I wanted to add… if you like the fit bit – you MUST check this out: http://healbe.com/ (I ordered one!)
Keep up the great content!!
Thank you so much for this. It helps me understand to continue to find a way to see multiple paths to happiness for my girls.
I checked out the healbe…but not sure I like it as much as the fitbit just at a glance. It just doesn’t seem as…sexy. Ya know? It seems bulky. AND, I think I’m fully committed to the iWatch (even if it’s just a rumor..haha)
The healbe is definitely bulky and not as sexy as what I’m sure the iWatch will be. The biggest thing that got me interested was monitoring of calories in through your blood glucose! I’ll let you know how it goes!!
Our children are younger, but I feel we are training them to forge their own paths, but to certainly obtain some level of formal education. I believe you just have to have it. You learn so much by from furthering your education; however, I don’t believe that it has to be staunchly traditional. Both our girls are artists (of different mediums), and we want them to know that life is not all about an 8-5 career. I do believe that forging your own path is more difficult, but having gone the traditional route and now being on my (our) own path…it seems to me there is no better way or better thing to achieve.
This was my first visit here. I look forward to checking in regularly.
Stephanie
Thank you so much Stephanie. Yes, it’s strange for me to think about my girls going a “non-traditional” path. It’s still something I’m working through but I am definitely open to it more now than ever. Glad to have you on the site. Are you working on your own online website to fully embrace your artistic side?