As the homeschool parent is well aware, the homeschool students in their care are wholly dependent on them for everything. From looking after their physical well being, to their emotional needs, the homeschool teacher needs to be a jack of many trades. It then makes sense that the choice of profession that the homeschool student may take up in the future, is also a responsibility of the homeschooling parent.
Helping the Homeschool Student Narrow Down a Profession
It’s fairly difficult to get a young child to understand the ramifications of the choice of profession. In fact most adults aren’t that happy with the choice that they made and are looking for do-overs. This makes choosing a profession for the homeschool student an important task, but where do you start? Ideally not with your own unfulfilled dreams and ambitions.
Pay Attention To Their Needs and Wants
Make it about the kids. About their interests, passions, and intentions. A nine year old may want to be an astronaut, but does he have the inclination to learn science, computers and mathematics? In most cases it’s too soon to tell if the child will have the patience to pursue a career in some field that interests them as a hobby today. As they grow older, things get clear.
Expose Them To Different Fields
The child is usually excited by what he sees as unique. How many kids want to become a fireman after a visit to the fire station? And how many kids want to become a librarian after a visit to the library? The idea is to let them see many different professionals at work and then ask the homeschool students what they would enjoy doing in the future. The more they know, the better the chance of them hitting on a profession that suits them.
Go To A Career Counselor
Getting professional help is a good way to avoid a mistake. It’s not fool proof but it is better than shooting in the dark. A good career counselor can help identify the child’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as their interests and passions. All of which are important in the final choice to be made.
