As parents we want our kids to rise in their future ambitions, to get all the successes they deserve and desire. However, a lot of times the foundation is laid early and many parents have given this thought the utmost importance. 

Children are seen running from one coaching class to the next. Their summer or winter vacations too seem to be of the same kind wherein activity classes abound. While it is good for the children to explore avenues and see for themselves what they would like to learn or try out – parents need to have a ground rule for themselves.

How much is too much? Have you asked yourself? Too much focus on various activities apart from the academics can make the child fall apart. They may get more confused and stay confused even when they need to make a major decision in life. Be it selection of major and electives, job interviews and career choices or choosing a spouse.

So how can parents create rising stars and yet not hamper their child’s development? Here are a few points that can help:

• Keep track of your child’s interest. Ensure that you encourage the child and see if she/he likes to keep going ahead
• Exploration but in moderation. Don’t rush your child into everything. Give space and time for different activities but keep them to the minimum of 2 or 3. It will confuse the child and she/he will give up on the activities altogether
• Find time to check on the progress of the interest scale. If you feel that the child is more keen on certain activities than others allow them to pursue that
• Be supportive in communication with your child and give them the opportunity to share with you what they feel about a certain activity
• Get older children to meet experts in their field of interest. This can give them more clarity of what they want to do ahead.

In short, be supportive but don’t get too hyperactive about kids and their ambitions when they are too young to understand it themselves. Let kids enjoy their childhood. 

“Do not ask your children

to strive for extraordinary lives.

Such striving may seem admirable,

but it is the way of foolishness.

Help them instead to find the wonder

and the marvel of an ordinary life.

Show them the joy of tasting

tomatoes, apples and pears.

Show them how to cry

when pets and people die.

Show them the infinite pleasure

in the touch of a hand.

And make the ordinary come alive for them.

The extraordinary will take care of itself.”

― William Martin, The Parent’s Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents