Question: My 15-year old son wants to be a singer. I have discouraged him, but he is persistent and refuses to listen to my wise words. What should I do? Answer: Hi, Debbie Downer! I understand where you are coming from but I do not think the approach is right. In Singapore society, where we are pragmatic, we want to make sure our children succeed. We often measure it with the the traditional modes of success, i.e. do well in studies, secure a good job, rake in lots of money, get married, have children, then eventually die. ? In our parents’ generation, Singapore was still young, the population is not as educated and the country not as prosperous. Good jobs were hard to come by, hence there was a lot of risk aversion. Times have changed, Debbie. If the person in question is 60, goes completely out of tune and cannot support himself because he is still pursuing a singing career, I will say wake him up. But is it too quick to pass judgment when one is 15? Moreover, he may really have the talent. Here’s what you can do. 1. Lay ground rules for him. – He can pursue his passion as long as he reaches his goals in his studies. 2. Support him – If you have the financial means, get him the help he needs. – If not, at least support him emotionally by being there for him. This will bode well for your relationship with him too. Dreams make one driven and alive, and that’s what growing up is about. I had a dream growing up- being a radio DJ. Since my primary school days, I would be glued to the radio for hours daily, knowing every slot, jingle etc. I love the imagination that radio lends to its listeners and the creativity DJs could have. I would grow up to become a part-time DJ for five years during my early 20s before pursuing another interest- journalism. I wasn’t a good DJ (by any stretch) but was glad I had fulfilled my childhood dream. We were all young before. We know how it is like to have an interest, a hobby and a dream. We shouldn’t deny your son that too. Also, he may forget about this a few months later, pick your battles. As long as it is not illegal and it’s reasonable, be supportive. #thurswithwei

Question:

My 15-year old son wants to be a singer. I have discouraged him, but he is persistent and refuses to listen to my wise words. What should I do?

Answer:

Hi, Debbie Downer!

I understand where you are coming from but I do not think the approach is right.

In Singapore society, where we are pragmatic, we want to make sure our children succeed. We often measure it with the the traditional modes of success, i.e. do well in studies, secure a good job, rake in lots of money, get married, have children, then eventually die. ?

In our parents’ generation, Singapore was still young, the population is not as educated and the country not as prosperous. Good jobs were hard to come by, hence there was a lot of risk aversion. Times have changed, Debbie.

If the person in question is 60, goes completely out of tune and cannot support himself because he is still pursuing a singing career, I will say wake him up. But is it too quick to pass judgment when one is 15?

Moreover, he may really have the talent. Here’s what you can do.

1. Lay ground rules for him.
– He can pursue his passion as long as he reaches his goals in his studies.

2. Support him
– If you have the financial means, get him the help he needs.
– If not, at least support him emotionally by being there for him. This will bode well for your relationship with him too.

Dreams make one driven and alive, and that’s what growing up is about.

I had a dream growing up- being a radio DJ. Since my primary school days, I would be glued to the radio for hours daily, knowing every slot, jingle etc. I love the imagination that radio lends to its listeners and the creativity DJs could have. I would grow up to become a part-time DJ for five years during my early 20s before pursuing another interest- journalism. I wasn’t a good DJ (by any stretch) but was glad I had fulfilled my childhood dream.

We were all young before.

We know how it is like to have an interest, a hobby and a dream. We shouldn’t deny your son that too.

Also, he may forget about this a few months later, pick your battles. As long as it is not illegal and it’s reasonable, be supportive.

#thurswithwei from Study Room https://ift.tt/36Pxqbk