Thread by @docbhooshan

#Thread
#ParentingAdvice

To be successful in this complex and rapidly changing world, you need to be obsessed with your vision.

Hardwork, talent, luck all count. No doubt.

But obsession is central identifying factor.

It involves doing things differently, NOT doing

most things that other people are doing. That is a cost one MUST pay.

It is a high risk endeavour. No escaping that.

This is where well meaning parents and kids get in a conflict.

There is a way out. A low risk, high reward way (now I have your attention). Read on -

If your child approaches you with a demand / request that they should be allowed follow their heart e.g. Be a YouTuber.

Use this opportunity to set them up on a steep learning curve that will be most valuable thing in their life. Read on ...

1. Every obsession needs time everyday. Ask them to create this time in the day by stopping some non essential things.
2. Get them to create a log of how they are working on knowledge, skill building, practice and performance on a daily basis. Just 5-10 lines a day is enough.

3. Don't give them money for fancy equipment straight up even if it is loose change for you.
2-3 months of daily practice, log book and using available material to create (current mobile phone) material.

4. Offer generous equipment loan (if you can afford it) ONLY if 3 month commitment was fulfilled without any lapses.
Consistency trumps talent in most areas.

5. Stay disinterested in their pursuit. Listen well when they talk but DONT offer ANY advice at all.

Self discovery is the most powerful motivator. Don't ruin it for them.

6. If they continue to show same passion and discipline in their pursuit of their dream for a year, we talk of next stage -

7. Now child is ready to give full time and attention to their obsession. Talk to few seniors in the field (if available) and arrange internships for your child if suitable.

8. Now comes the time for real decision. I am in favour of letting the child skip school for at least one year and give full devotion to their dream.

A child who has jumped thru all the difficult issues and tasks above deserves at least one year of full focussed work.

9. At the end of that year (about 2-2.5yr from the begining of the journey) you will know and the child will know for sure if they need to continue further.

10. Even if they realise that it is not working for them and they need to quit it, they would have grown as a disciplined person and motivated young person. It is priceless.

Your relationship with them would grow many notches up and you have a loving child-adult for life.

In this day and age, when parents don't depend on child's earning, it is vital that children use this freedom to explore better growth in life.

Skipping school for a year to pursue your dream is the most positive experience possible.

Give it a try.