Kids Aren't to Young to Have a Vision

"Hey everyone, welcome back to The Preston Perspective! Today we’re diving into a topic that’s close to my heart: ‘Children Can Create a Vision for Their Lives.’ Whether you’re a parent, a young adult thinking about future parenting, or just someone interested in the growth of young minds, this is for you."

"Now, we’ve all heard the phrase 'kids are the future,' but what does that really mean? It’s not just about them growing up and getting jobs. It’s about helping them see a vision for their lives—one that excites them and gives them a sense of purpose. And yes, you, as parents or future parents, play a crucial role in that."

"Sounds heavy, right? But it’s actually a lot simpler than it sounds. And hey, there’s no need to be perfect at this. Remember, you’re guiding, not dictating. 

Assist your child in setting goals and completing those goals and they explore the type a person they want to become.

At Adventures in Wisdom™, encouraging kids to create a vision doesn’t mean knowing what profession they want to work in; it means deciding who they want to be in this world and what they want to experience.  Yes, part of that might include their profession, but that’s just one small component of it.  Think of their vision as the big picture of what they want to experience – their goals and their dreams.

Having a vision gives kids purpose and direction in their lives – it can act as their “inner compass” during their life’s journey.  Without a vision, kids may drift through life – often allowing other kids and circumstances determine their path.  With a vision, kids learn to live their lives with intention as their vision leads them into their future. 

Let's explore some tips to help kids create that vision without overwhelming them—or you."

Tip #1: Encourage Imagination and Play

"First up, let’s talk about the power of imagination. It might seem like just fun and games, but when kids play, they’re actually exploring possibilities. Whether they’re pretending to be astronauts or playing house, they’re envisioning different roles and scenarios. Encourage this! Give them space to dream big—even if those dreams change every other day. It’s not about locking them into a specific path; it’s about letting them see that the world is full of options."

Question: “But what if my child’s imagination is a little… out there?”Answer: "Great question! The more out there, the better! A wild imagination today can lead to innovative thinking tomorrow. Remember, some of the world’s greatest ideas seemed crazy at first."

Tip #2: Who They Want To Be?  Recommend that kids create a vision about who they want to be. This is the most important  step because even if they aren’t sure what they want to do or what they want to experience, who they want to be – their morals and values – is at the core of who they are, regardless of their circumstances. 

For this part of the exercise, have them write down vision statements about how they want to live their life.  Some examples include:

·  “I live my life with integrity – I do the right thing, even when no one else is looking”

·  “I look for the good in others – we all have special things we bring to this world.”

Note…it is important when putting together this list that kids create their vision based on what they truly want to experience in life – not based on current circumstances and challenges.  For example, if they want to work as a doctor, but aren’t making good grades, they should still hold the vision of becoming a doctor.  Low grades are just a challenge that can be managed away.  It is important to teach kids not to whittle down their dreams based on their current situation.

4. Tip #3: Introduce Goal Setting Early

"Next, let’s get into goal setting. Now, I’m not saying your 5-year-old needs a five-year plan, but introducing the idea of setting small, achievable goals can do wonders. Maybe it’s learning to ride a bike, solving a Rubik's cube, learning a dance, or reading a certain number of books over the summer. These little goals teach kids that they can achieve what they set their minds to, which builds confidence and sets the stage for bigger dreams later on."

In Wisdom coaching, I lead a whole session on goal setting.

Question: “What if my child gets discouraged easily?”Answer: "That’s totally normal. The key is to celebrate the effort as much as the outcome. It’s okay if they don’t hit the mark every time—the point is to learn perseverance and resilience."

Tip #4: Model Visionary Thinking

"Lastly, let’s talk about you, the parent, future parent or leader. Kids are like little sponges—they soak up everything. If they see you setting goals, chasing dreams, and talking about your vision for the future, they’re more likely to do the same. Share your aspirations with them, even the ones you’re still working on. This not only shows them the process but also normalizes the idea of having a vision and pursuing it."

Question: “What if I’m still figuring out my own vision?”Answer: "That’s actually a fantastic opportunity! You can journey together. Let your child see that it’s okay to be in the process of figuring things out. Life is a journey, not a race."

Conclusion:

"So, there you have it—four key tips to help children create a vision for their lives: encourage their imagination, introduce goal setting, and model visionary thinking. It’s not about having everything figured out; it’s about opening doors and showing them that the possibilities are endless."

"And remember, parents, this isn’t just about them—it’s about you too. When you help your child create a vision, you’re also reinforcing your own. It’s a beautiful, mutual growth process."

As an elementary Wisdom Coach I can assist your child in taking steps to create a vision/plan for the kind of person they want to be and to set goals for themselves.

"Thanks for reading The Preston Perspective.