The world has been on a rollercoaster ride of change over the past few decades. Globalization, digitalization, artificial intelligence, disruptive economies, and let’s not forget the wild card that is the pandemic. It’s like we’re all strapped into the front seat of a futuristic spaceship, hurtling into the unknown.
We have no idea what the world will look like in a couple of decades, but one thing is clear: the world needs creators. And that begs the question: Is your parenting style on track with it? Are you raising a creator or a doer?
Now, let’s take a trip down memory lane. We all come from different family backgrounds, but here’s the truth: our parents and society did their best to prepare us for what they believed was a bright future. It was a simple equation, really. You pick a profession from the pre-approved list of money-making machines. You become a lawyer, a manager, a doctor, or a banker. You land a cushy job in some soul-sucking corporation and climb the ladder to reach the coveted top (if you had the drive, that is).
When a child was thinking about choosing a profession, the first two questions were–”Will you be able to find a job?” and “Will this job pay the bills?” We were surrounded by “advisors” and expecting someone to tell us what to do next (as at 16-17 we are not supposed to know what we are up to). Also, considering political and economic environment, everyone wanted to be on the safe side. Comfort zone.
But here’s the kicker. If you take a step back and really think about it, most of us were raised to be doers, not creators. And guess what? We’re unwittingly passing on those same doer traits to our own children. It’s a never-ending cycle unless we do something about it.
The world has changed and keeps transforming. Technology is advancing at a mind-boggling rate, threatening to automate or revolutionize entire industries. The role of knowledge and education is shifting faster than a Kardashian’s relationship status. Communication? It’s already undergone a tectonic shift. We’re finally starting to give a crap about our own well-being and happiness, instead of just chasing money and status.
Now it’s tempting to tell your little one, “Hey, kid, if you want to succeed in life, you better learn how to code.” But the truth is that technical skills alone won’t cut it anymore. The economy of the future will favor those with the ability to adapt, to think creatively, to solve complex problems, to make tough decisions, to think critically, and to connect with others on a deep level. We need creators, not just a bunch of mindless doers.
Are you prepared to instill these invaluable traits and mindset in your child from day one?
But wait, there’s more! In this crazy age of social media, we parents fall into the trap of constantly comparing ourselves to others and spiraling into anxiety. Are we doing enough? Are we good enough? Are we spending enough time with our kids? Everyone’s got an opinion, a view, a theory. Psychologists say one thing, bloggers say another, and our own parents did things completely differently. What worked for one child might be a disaster for another. It’s a mind-boggling mess out there.
But fear not, for there is a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. It’s called science. That’s right, good old science. Because here’s the thing: Parenting matters. Education matters. The future matters.
So we made a choice. We’re taking a good, hard look at our own parenting patterns, taking off those social comparison glasses, and embracing the wisdom of science to help our kids flourish in this crazy, unpredictable future. Are you with us on this wild ride?
Loads of love,
Irina and Dawid
