What do you want to be when you were a kid? Did you want to be a doctor, an engineer, a lawyer, or a pilot? Can you still remember those long-ago, forgotten dreams? Did they come true, or did you forget about them as you slowly face reality? Now, look at your kids. They’re about the same age as you when you start dreaming of becoming who you are right now. Your kids just told you they want to become a dentist after going to their dental appointment. How can you be as supportive as you can be to these dreams?
Look for a Mentor
Talk to a pediatric dentist and ask if they will let your kids shadow them for a day. While this is an old-school approach, it works well for showing kids what it’s like in the real world. They can learn about the job on the ground. Your kids will also have someone to look up to and ask questions to when it’s time for them to decide about the careers to pursue.
Find Books and Movies
Read books and watch movies with your kids. Show them that you’re willing to take on this journey with them. There are a lot of great resources out there that talk about the importance of dental and oral health. Explore this brand-new world with them. They will still have plenty of questions after watching the movies and reading books. However, this is all part of their learning process. Answer as much as you can. Research about the things you don’t know. Again, learn with your kids. If this is going to be something they’re serious about in the future, you have to learn as much as you can about it.
Invest in Education
The foundations of dental courses are mathematics and science. Learning about these at an early age will help your kids ease into the more advanced concepts in college. Don’t get discouraged if your kids are having a difficult time right now in school. Find a tutor who will help your kids understand these concepts better. Tell your kids the tutor will help them achieve their dreams of becoming a dentist. If they are serious about it, they should also
Talk to Them
There’s nothing like sharing in their anguish, pain, and joy in finding out what they want to do with their lives. Never stop talking with your kids. They’ll have to go through so much in life. Knowing that you are there for them will help them overcome the struggles they will face. Get to know them at different stages of their lives.
Sometimes, parents think that their kids are still too young to understand what they want to become when they grow older. Never belittle your kids’ imagination and passion. Some of the most successful athletes and entrepreneurs showed signs of their passions at an early age. Over the years, your kids’ dream to become a dentist may change, but it’s important to show your kids that you’re going to support them no matter what. That will give them the confidence to pursue their dreams.