This post is sponsored by Mott’s. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Finding something you’re truly passionate about can be a lifelong journey. I read recently that interests may change, but passion does not. I definitely disagree and think that as we change and grow, passion will certainly change. Right now, I’m pretty passionate about making my child’s school experience the best that it can be and that means that I’m very involved in PTO (currently the VP). As parents, we can help our kids find their passion. It may be a certain sport, science, the arts, animals, or something else. We’re sharing a few ways you can help your kid find their passion.
1. Observe + Talk
Just by observing our kids, we can piece things together. If your kid puts on a show about space every time they have the remote, they’re probably really into space. If your kid checks out every dog book in the library, maybe dogs is their thing.
Listen to your child and talk to them about things they are naturally good at and things they are interested in. And no, those things are not always the same.
2. Try things out
What’s great about a lot of activities for younger children is that there are trial periods or shorter seasons. Our karate for example offered a 6 week trial for right around $50. After just a week, we knew Charlie and karate were meant to be together. Soccer seasons around here are about 8-10 weeks of games. It seems like a long time when you’re in the thick of it, but in reality – it’s just about 2 months. If the kids don’t like it, they don’t have to sign up again.
Our boys have done baseball, soccer, karate, Scouts, and church youth group. Baseball did not go over well at all for Charlie, though we did do it for 3 years. That was a big mistake on my part and I so wanted my child to love the game I loved. Live and learn.
Don’t forget about your local library! They often have events that would be perfect to explore a new interest for free.
3. Challenge them
Every activity the kids do is not going to be easy. When something is easy, it’s going to get boring, too. Charlie often complains about school being boring and that he hates it (he’s super bright). If your kid wants to try rock climbing and can’t get the hang of it, encourage them to keep trying. Don’t let them give up on something they really want to do just because it’s hard.
I played clarinet from 4th- 9th grade it is certainly wasn’t easy once I reached middle school. It required a lot of practice, but it’s something I enjoyed and was pretty good at for awhile.
Our friends at Mott’s know all about passion! Mott’s just launched its beloved applesauce in convenient clear pouches. Parents now have added assurance about their snack choices, with quality they can see.
The new clear pouches also feature distinct characters for each applesauce variety who together form the Pouch Pals, a group of high-energy friends with distinct personalities and interests—from Crispin who is passionate about music to Seedney who loves to skateboard—making snacking as fun as it is delicious.
We always have snacks on hand, in soccer bags, karate bags, camping backpack, or in mom’s bag. Applesauce pouches are one of our go-to snacks because I know they’re healthy and the kids aren’t just loading up on junk.
#ClearPassion Sweepstakes:
From July 22 to August 30, parents can submit photos of their kid(s) pursuing their passions via Twitter or Instagram by tagging @Motts and using #ClearPassion and #sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes that help amplify their kids’ personal passions. One grand prize winner will also receive a year’s supply of Mott’s for the family.
For more information about Mott’s #ClearPassion sweepstakes and new clear applesauce pouches, visit www.Motts.com.
Maureen says
I think a way to help children find their passion is to also model your own behavior. Sounds like you are a great role model, mama!