Have you ever been asked this question?
This question may be holding kids back. Here's what can be asked instead.
"The Question That’s Holding Kids Back (And What to Ask Instead)"
For years, we've been asking kids the same question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” And while it seems like an innocent way to spark career dreams, it's actually boxing kids into job titles instead of possibilities. It makes the future feel like a single destination rather than an open road of opportunities.
Instead, let’s flip the script: “What problems do you want to solve?” This small but powerful shift inspires kids to think big, lean into their curiosity, and explore how they can make an impact in the world.
Why This Shift Matters
- Encourages Critical Thinking – When kids think about problems they want to solve, they start engaging in critical thinking, innovation, and solution-driven mindsets rather than just following predefined career paths.
- Expands Career Possibilities – Many of today’s careers didn’t exist 10 or 20 years ago. By focusing on solving problems, children are open to discovering future-proof careers and creating opportunities that don’t yet exist.
- Builds Purpose-Driven Ambitions – When students are encouraged to think about the impact they want to make, they develop a sense of purpose that drives their learning and career decisions.
- Boosts Confidence & Adaptability – Career paths change, industries evolve, and job titles come and go. Teaching kids to focus on problems they want to solve prepares them to adapt and thrive in any professional landscape.
How to Start the Conversation
If you’re a parent, educator, or mentor, try asking these instead:
- “What challenges in the world make you want to take action?”
- “What’s something that frustrates you that you wish you could fix?”
- “How do you want to help people?”
- “If you could invent something to make life better, what would it be?”
These questions spark curiosity, creativity, and deeper conversations about careers that align with their unique skills and passions.
Real-Life Examples
- A kid who loves animals might not just say “I want to be a vet.” They could explore conservation, animal behavior, or wildlife advocacy.
- A child passionate about technology might not just say “I want to be a software engineer.” They could dream of designing AI tools that assist people with disabilities.
- A young artist might not just say “I want to be an illustrator.” They could imagine creating visual storytelling projects that raise awareness for social issues.
By shifting the focus from job titles to real-world impact, we help kids connect what they love with how they can make a difference.
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Final Thoughts
The future of work is changing fast, and the best way to prepare kids isn’t by locking them into a single career path—it’s by helping them become curious, adaptable problem-solvers.
So next time you ask a child about their future, skip the job titles and instead ask, “What problem do you want to solve?” Their answer just might shape the world.