Worried Mother: Daughter Wants To Be YouTuber or TikToker When She Grows Up
Dear Agony Aunt,
I’m writing to you because I’m feeling quite distressed about my daughter’s career aspirations.
She’s only in primary school, but when I asked her what she wants to be when she grows up, she replied that she wants to be a YouTuber or a TikToker. I want to be supportive and encouraging, but I can’t help feeling that these choices are trivial and won’t lead to a successful future for her.
I don’t want to disappoint her, but I also want her to have realistic ambitions. How can I handle this situation without crushing her dreams?
Sincerely,
Worried Mother
Dear Worried Mother,
Firstly, I want to commend you for reaching out and expressing your concerns. It’s natural for a parent to want the best for their child, and it’s understandable that you may have reservations about non-traditional career paths such as being a YouTuber or TikToker. However, it’s important to remember that the world is constantly evolving, and new career opportunities are emerging every day.
Instead of dismissing your daughter’s aspirations, I encourage you to have an open and honest conversation with her. Ask her about her interests and passions, and try to understand why she is drawn to becoming a content creator on social media. This will allow you to gain insight into her perspective and demonstrate that you value her feelings and opinions.
While it’s essential to guide your daughter towards practical considerations for her future, it’s equally important to support her creative and entrepreneurial spirit. You can help her explore her interests by encouraging her to develop a deeper understanding of social media, content creation, and digital marketing. This can provide her with valuable skills and knowledge that may be applicable in various career fields.
Ultimately, your daughter’s career path is hers to navigate, and your role as a parent is to provide guidance and support as she explores her options. By keeping the lines of communication open and fostering a sense of understanding, you can help your daughter pursue her dreams while also instilling important values such as perseverance, adaptability, and critical thinking.
Best wishes,
Agony Aunt