Igniting the Spark in My Children

I’ve thought a lot about what my girls will be when they grow up. With such distinct personalities, I imagine all kinds of fabulous careers and exotic travels. No one can know what is going to happen, but as a parent it’s our job to make those possibilities as wide as the great outdoors.

Although our oldest child is only 11, excuse me, almost 12 (8 days from now), we have already started talking about college. No, we’re not helicopter parents, but we are trying to expose her to the fact that there are colleges outside of California. Not that I want her to move far away, but I want her to have the option to do so. We’ve talked about schools in Nevada and New York, Texas and Colorado. Sure, California has amazing schools, but there is a whole world out there that we want her to experience.

Over winter break I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about how to foster the inner spark in my kids. I’ve done the required parent stuff… taken them to dance class, signed up to be a Brownie leader, let them take pictures and videos, talked with them about different career paths. I wonder what will ignite the spark in them and which direction it will take them.

Yesterday, Amanda (9) had her first ballroom dance lesson. It was a private lesson with an instructor who dances professionally. She did amazing. She picked up the dance steps like a pro. Even the instructor was impressed with her. He said he usually teaches two dances at first, but Amanda learned three: the Swing, Salsa and the Fox Trot. She liked the Fox Trot the best. Tonight, she takes a group lesson.

Will we be seeing Amanda on Dancing With The Stars in 10 years? It could happen. She also wanted to be a musician, but since she can’t sing and hates practicing her guitar, I’m not sure that will be her path. I watched her dance and wondered if maybe, just maybe, she finally found her inner passion. If I walked right by the dance studio and didn’t go inside, would I have missed the opportunity for her to shine?

Back to my oldest, Temera. She’s only ever wanted to do one thing with her life: cook. She loves it. She’s good at it. She has her whole life planned out already. She is going to college, learn all about restaurant management and then on to cooking school. Then, she’ll open her own restaurant. Fabulous! I love that she has a goal so early in life. I did. I wanted to be an interior designer. It’s all I ever wanted to be. Guess what? I AM an interior designer. Of course, I’m not practicing it much lately since I’ve become such an important blogger and social media guru (that’s a joke, guys). The point is, you just never know if your child’s dreams will carry them through.

My youngest, Lauryn. She’s a mystery. She is loud, outspoken, doesn’t like to listen and take direction, thinks she knows best, and she likes to be the center of attention. She also likes to wear garish clothes and red lipstick. I’m thinking actress, or at the very least, reality show star. Hmmm… must be why I’m signing her up for an acting class. The jury is still out on this one. She’s too smart for her own good. Maybe lawyer? Or politician?

I love that I get to be on this journey with them. This journey to self-discovery. I want my kids to try everything, leave no stone unturned. When they make their career choice, I want them to come to it fully informed and prepared. I want them to have researched everything and given all different paths a chance. I want them to be successful at whatever they do. I want them to enjoy whatever they do. I want them to be happy.