My nine-year-old son seems to be failing to choose what he really wants to do at school. The children are supposed to choose a sport or a club for some extra-curriculum activities and he has been all over the place since his Grade 3.
One term he was with the Scripture Union, then he was with the drama club. Now he is trying his luck with the hockey team. These signs of him lacking focus worry me. I have tried to tell him to stick to one activity and try to be consistent with it for some time so that he masters the skill. But he cannot remain in one activity for two terms. I am worried that in life he may grow up to be a man who becomes a jack of all trades and master of none. How do I help him? – Mai Troy
Dear Mai Troy
I believe you are worrying unnecessarily. I really don’t think there is anything wrong with your son, at least anything worth worrying about. He is still very young and he is trying everything because he wants to find what works for him. It is important that at his stage of life, he tries as many different things as possible. That is the only way he can find out what life is all about and what is available for him in this big and amazing world of ours.
When he discovers hockey or drama club is not working for him, he is not the kind of person who will remain bored there because his mother said he should stick to one thing. He moves on to find his destiny and that is a good sign of independence and being adventurous. He is at the perfect age and time to do that. He is trying to find himself, to know what he wants and what makes him happy and that should not worry you.
Your point about sticking at something long enough to get skillful at it is a good point and there will be a time when that will need to be the case. But for now these are not in any way signs that he will be a man who is not focused in life. Don’t worry and let him explore his options for a while. – Aunty Lisa
Post published in: Lifestyle