What impact does asking a student "What do you want to be when you grow up?" have?
Limits Imagination and Puts Pressure on a Single Path
When we ask children what they want to be when they grow up, it often implies that they must choose a single, fixed career early on. This can limit their imagination and put unnecessary pressure on them to decide their future. In reality, career paths are often non-linear, and many adults switch jobs or fields multiple times.
Jobs May Not Exist Yet
Many of the jobs that will be available in the future don't exist yet due to technological advancements and changing industries. Asking this question can focus kids on traditional roles rather than encouraging them to develop a wide range of skills.
Defines Identity by Career
The question can unintentionally make children feel like their worth or identity is tied to their job, rather than other aspects of who they are, like their values, passions, or relationships. It can foster a narrow view of success that revolves only around career achievements.
Neglects Other Life Aspects
Focusing only on what they "want to be" overlooks other important aspects of life, like relationships, hobbies, and personal growth. It reinforces the idea that one's career is the most important thing when a well-rounded life includes much more.
Gender and Societal Expectations
The question can reinforce societal expectations, including gender stereotypes, as kids may feel pressured to pick jobs that align with traditional gender roles. It may also cause some children to give answers that reflect what they think others expect from them rather than what they truly aspire to.
Encourages Fixed Mindset
It may unintentionally foster a fixed mindset, where children believe they need to have everything figured out at a young age. Instead, fostering a growth mindset — the idea that interests, skills, and goals can evolve over time — is more beneficial.
It's Okay to Not Know!
By not asking this question, we allow children the space to explore, experiment, and grow without feeling rushed or boxed into a single vision of their future. It's okay to not have a clear answer, and adults can instead guide kids to discover their talents and interests through learning experiences that happen EVERY DAY!
Instead of asking "What do you want to be when you grow up?" A more constructive question might be, "What problems would you like to help solve in the world?" or “What things do you like to do best?” This encourages kids to develop skills like collaboration, creativity, communication, and other valuable 21st-century skills.
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