Kylian Mbappé, the French football superstar, has said: “I hope to have a son who hates football.” I smiled when I heard that. My oldest daughter, Cameron, turned 18 this week. In a few weeks she’ll head off to college to pursue a path that’s completely different from mine. And if I’m honest, I’m grateful. I’ve never wanted my daughters to become little versions of me. (Not that this was ever particularly high on their list. 😊) I’ve wanted them to become fuller versions of themselves. Parents, I’m curious: Would you genuinely like to see your children follow in your footsteps, or do you secretly hope they choose a different path?
Both of my girls have passions and work that align with some of my interests outside my career/work. Yet they've each pursued those passions (different for each) and developed them into professional lives. What I am most happy about is that they did follow my footsteps in terms of work ethic, spirit and integrity :-).
Congrats on your daughter moving on to college. Big next step! As for our kids - our daughter became an ICU nurse (a few doctors and nurses in the family) and our son followed in my footsteps with a marketing undergrad. He now works for an agency based in NY. What did I hope for - not very secretly? That they would find the intersection Greek philosopher Aristotle spoke of - "Where your talents/interests and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation." So far, so good.
Congratulations! I don't particularly care if my daughters follow in my professional career, but I do want them to like Star Wars, Spider-Man, and amusement parks.
I'm so glad that neither of my boys follows in my footsteps. They never played basketball like me. Just let your kids be. Let them choose what they want to do with their life. 💪🏽💙
Bravo! And what a great name.
I want them to follow what brings them joy, fulfillment and personal growth (and $ 😉).
My oldest heads off to college in a few weeks as well. She said to me recently, “Dad, I can’t imagine working in an office all day like you do.” That gave me comfort, because she knows what lights her up and what doesn’t- and isn’t afraid to share that insight with others.