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HOMESCHOOLIOWA.ORGP
erhaps the most important decision we will ever make in
life – next to following Christ and choosing a life partner
– is our choice of a career. And as parents, we can feel
ill-equipped to help our kids in discovering a career that is a fit
for them.
Let me begin with a foundational truth. Our kids need to un-
derstand that when God created them, He placed within them
certain natural abilities and a leaning to do certain things, do
them well, and enjoy doing them! Each of our kids are shaped
uniquely, and this shape is intended to direct them toward cer-
tain areas of work and ministry, both to
serve Him and to provide for their fami-
lies. God has placed tools in our sons’ or
daughters’ tool box, and these tools work
together to determine the career they
should choose – specifically the type of
work they should be doing and the kind of
environment in which they will thrive. It’s
critical we reinforce this truth to our kids
and help them discover a career which fits
how God has already bent them.
As our kids begin the process of discov-
ering what career to choose, it is helpful
to have them honestly answer some basic
questions regarding how they see them-
selves. It is also important for us to share what tendencies we see
in them! Let me explain.
People rarely succeed in business or work unless they enjoy do-
ing it! God has placed within our sons and daughters the natural
ability to do some things well! This is sometimes referred to as
aptitude. Some of our kids are naturally good with mechanical
things, some are good with computers, some with numbers,
some with words, and some with drawing or designing. Skills
still need to be developed, but these areas of natural ability
come easily and bring enjoyment. Ask them,
“What can you do
with little effort?” “What have you done that you really enjoy?”
“What activities energizes you?”
Another thing to consider is the unique personality of our sons
or daughters. You could call it their own personal style, how they
are wired. It relates to the way they think and how they react to
different situations. This is important as it relates to the type of
work environment that fits them. Ask them,
“In what surround-
ings do you feel most comfortable?” “Are you an outgoing person
or prefer being alone?” “Do you enjoy working with people or with
things?” “Do you thrive with variety or do you prefer routine?” “Are
you an outdoors person or would you rather be sitting behind a
desk?”
You see, their personality defines the God, designed way
they are to plug into work and ministry! We must help our kids
answer the question,
“What is the real me
really like?”
If we have been paying atten-
tion as parents, we likely have an idea, but
they need to recognize it themselves.
So how do we do that? How can we help
our kids answer these questions and dis-
cover a career that truly fits the way God
put them together? By providing oppor-
tunities to be exposed to a variety of ac-
tivities and vocations, enabling them to
experience and try new things. They will
never discover what they love – or hate –
to do if they never try anything! This might
involve experimenting with hobbies, go-
ing on field trips to different workplaces
or spending the day with someone whose work interests them
When they find something that piques their interest, encourage
them to pursue a job in that area. A small business would be the
best venue to pursue something part-time. Even if they have to
sweep the floor, they will be exposed to the work being done. If
they discover it’s not what they want to do, nothing’s lost! They
just mark it down as
“not for me”
and continue the search!
Something important to note at this point is that some careers
offer a wide variety of options. For example, a career in the weld-
ing trade has at least a half dozen tracks. There is manufacturing,
fabrication, pipeline, boilermaker, construction, maintenance, and
others. Each of these tracks involve different skill sets as well as
very diverse work environments. If your sons or daughters finds
themselves ina rut in one lane of a career path, they may just need
Helping
Your Kids
Find a
Career
that Fits!
BY RICK COWMAN
We must help our kids answer
the question, “What is the real
me really like?” If we have been
paying attention as parents, we
likely have an idea, but they need
to recognize it for themselves.