Here at Team Jenny Many we believe that all children deserve to pursue their ambition, whatever that may be. Helping children to aspire is a process of support and encouragement throughout their lives, but we can and should start early as we help them understand that the world is their oyster. As parents, we all want our children to find that one thing they love - that spark that lights them up, whether it’s art, coding, music, football, or something totally unexpected. But there’s a fine line between encouraging discovery and overloading your child with extra-curricular activities.So how can you help your child find their passion without turning into a pushy parent?
1. Slow Downand Observe
The first step is simply paying attention. What does your child naturally gravitate toward in their free time? Do they love building with LEGO, doodling on everything, asking a million questions abou thow things work, or performing spontaneous dance shows in the living room? Do they spend more time with their feet off the ground than on – up trees, bouncing on the sofa? These little moments often give clues to deeper interests.
2. Offer,Don’t Overwhelm
It’s tempting to sign them up for every club going- karate on Mondays, piano on Tuesdays, robotics on Wednesdays... But too much can lead to burnout or resistance. Instead, offer one or two low-pressure options at a time. Give them the space to try something out without the expectation that it becomes a lifelong commitment.
3. Let Them Lead
Instead of asking, ‘Do you want to join the drama club?’ try, ‘Would you be interested in something creative like acting, art, or music?’ Let them be part of the decision-making. This helps them feel ownership over their choices and builds intrinsic motivation.
4. Redefine‘Success’
It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting your child to be good at something. But finding their ‘thing’ isn’t about talent - it’s about joy, curiosity, and personal growth. If your child loves painting but their stick figures are wobbly or they cover the canvas with black splodges, that’s fine. What matters is that they enjoy it.
5. Be Supportive, Not Strategic
Avoid treating hobbies like CV boosters. Children pick up on pressure quickly. Be their biggest cheerleader, not their manager. Celebrate effort, not achievement, and allow them to drop activities without guilt if their interest fades.
6. Create Space for Boredom
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of downtime. A bored child is often a creative one. When kids aren’t constantly scheduled, they have time to explore, dream, and discover what excites them.
Encouraging your child to find their passion isabout planting seeds, not building blueprints. With patience, curiosity, and alittle breathing room, they’ll discover their ‘thing’ - in their own time and will be on the way todaring to pursue their authentic ambition.
Here at Team Jenny Many we believe that all children deserve to pursue their ambition, whatever that may be. Helping children to aspire is a process of support and encouragement throughout their lives, but we can and should start early as we help them understand that the world is their oyster. As parents, we all want our children to find that one thing they love - that spark that lights them up, whether it’s art, coding, music, football, or something totally unexpected. But there’s a fine line between encouraging discovery and overloading your child with extra-curricular activities.So how can you help your child find their passion without turning into a pushy parent?
1. Slow Downand Observe
The first step is simply paying attention. What does your child naturally gravitate toward in their free time? Do they love building with LEGO, doodling on everything, asking a million questions abou thow things work, or performing spontaneous dance shows in the living room? Do they spend more time with their feet off the ground than on – up trees, bouncing on the sofa? These little moments often give clues to deeper interests.
2. Offer,Don’t Overwhelm
It’s tempting to sign them up for every club going- karate on Mondays, piano on Tuesdays, robotics on Wednesdays... But too much can lead to burnout or resistance. Instead, offer one or two low-pressure options at a time. Give them the space to try something out without the expectation that it becomes a lifelong commitment.
3. Let Them Lead
Instead of asking, ‘Do you want to join the drama club?’ try, ‘Would you be interested in something creative like acting, art, or music?’ Let them be part of the decision-making. This helps them feel ownership over their choices and builds intrinsic motivation.
4. Redefine‘Success’
It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting your child to be good at something. But finding their ‘thing’ isn’t about talent - it’s about joy, curiosity, and personal growth. If your child loves painting but their stick figures are wobbly or they cover the canvas with black splodges, that’s fine. What matters is that they enjoy it.
5. Be Supportive, Not Strategic
Avoid treating hobbies like CV boosters. Children pick up on pressure quickly. Be their biggest cheerleader, not their manager. Celebrate effort, not achievement, and allow them to drop activities without guilt if their interest fades.
6. Create Space for Boredom
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of downtime. A bored child is often a creative one. When kids aren’t constantly scheduled, they have time to explore, dream, and discover what excites them.
Encouraging your child to find their passion isabout planting seeds, not building blueprints. With patience, curiosity, and alittle breathing room, they’ll discover their ‘thing’ - in their own time and will be on the way todaring to pursue their authentic ambition.