What are the chances my kids have a passion?
This week I watched the Gabby Douglas Story on Netflix and was amazed by her passion and drive at such a young age. Watching a child who started out as a poor young girl doing cartwheels in the house to Olympic gold medalist is nothing short of inspiring.
As I watched her story I kept telling myself ‘some people are born to do what they do.’ They may be walking around with a dormant talent waiting to be discovered. And once they get a taste of their innate passion, they become unstoppable.
Growing up I wanted to participate in any and every club I could get my hands on. Odyssey of the Mind, Girl Scouts, geography club, you name it. But once I discovered public speaking and broadcast classes, I knew I had found my place.
I soaked in the nightly news and practiced sounding like the anchors and reporters. Reading stories to my siblings and classmates was never a chore, but a chance to hone my skills.
By the time I got to high school and college, I was well aware of what I wanted to do and looked out for any and every opportunity to get myself closer to my dream. It was nothing short of an obsession. It paid off in a full-ride scholarship and career I’m still enjoying while raising my family.
I can only hope that my children are as passionate about something as they grow up. That intense desire and focus can help keep kids out of trouble, and concentrating on what they really enjoy. But how do you cast a wide enough net without overscheduling everyone?
Lil’ J is currently enrolled in a gymnastics class twice a week as well as a ballet/tap/tumbling and a hip hop class. After months of begging me to try ballet I finally obliged, but then she told me she would like to do a hip hop class after seeing me do mine, and taking family Zumba together. The gymnastics is just a part a mother’s morning out program I desperately need, but she’s really getting into it.
Part of me wonders if I’m going overboard, and another part of me wonders when we’ll notice that spark of passion in her. How long does it take? Should we try a musical instrument next? Or a sport like softball? WHEN WILL SHE TELL ME SHE WANTS TO BE AN OLYMPIAN?
Just kidding.
I don’t care if my kids are the best at something, but I do hope that they find something they love. That something that they wake up thinking about and go to bed dreaming about.
My kids might never have a Netflix documentary about them, but I hope to help document their excitement as they discover what they were born to do.
Do you have a passion? I really curious how common it is. Has your child found theirs?
Tags: life, life lessons, stories, thoughts
I just love this post, Jenn! I feel like I never really had that passion – I enjoyed a lot of things and did some of them well, but never found that talent or drive for one thing in particular and honestly, still never have. But that’s ok, maybe that is just my thing? Doing it all at once? 😉
I wonder this about my girls though. Like you, I don’t care if they are the best at something, but I DO want them to find something they love. I also worry about over-extending and taking on too much. Life and parenting is such a delicate balance, right!?
We are having my kids try everything they want. I, too, want them to find their passion. For me as a child, gymnastics was my thing and I felt more at home there on the balance beam than anywhere else. It’s my hope they feel just as happy with whatever they choose, whether it’s the chess board, the hockey ice, the band room, or whatever. Loved this post. It just speaks volumes about a mother’s hopes and wishes for her children.
Love the post! Btw I love your hair like that….rock in’ the natural locks…
Thank you Jessica! Trying to tame this beast 😉 Somedays a high pony can be pulled off ok.
I have always had a passion for helping people ranging from homelessness to domestic violence. I start college next week working towards my goal of becoming a Social Worker. I may be old as dirt when Im completely done but at least I will have succeeded in fulfilling my dream(s). In the meantime, I run a website and blog in hopes of raising much needed awareness and I volunteer when I can.
I have 8 step-children (no children of my own) and each of them are very creative. So their passion(s) range from wanting to be a chef/baker (think Cake Boss) to designing a video game.
GI love this! iven the option I think kids will have passions. Sometimes they get bored easily but as parents I guess we just push and push and push some more (not like those reality tv moms, lol).
Jen I love this! Given the option I think kids will have passions. Sometimes they get bored easily but as parents I guess we just push and push and push some more (not like those reality tv moms, lol).
This is something I think about all the time because I’ve only recently started following my passion by pursuing wedding photography full time, something I wish I did many years ago – but public school and endless busywork essentially robbed me of the time I craved to pursue my passions. So now I’m homeschooling my kids and thinking about their passions is an every day thing for me, I’m constantly asking them what they want to learn and do – their education is driven and fueled by them and they love that they have a say in what they are learning! I’m thrilled to be there to see them discover what they want to do in life.
My girl (almost 6) has an intense passion for gymnastics, and I’m not sure if it is just a phase, but she is consumed with it. We’re still trying to find classes in our area that we can afford, things are super expensive here in the Boston area.
Howdy would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a fair price? Thanks, I appreciate it!