Articles

Parents often unintentionally, make comments such as “no one can make a living as an artist” “or musician” “or entertainer”. “It’s alright to play at your hobby, but you must have a decent career.”
The real challenge is parents who don’t know how to lead by example. If we are to realize a life of prosperity, it will not be done by the majority who fall into a job because they need some form of livelihood. It seems as though entrepreneurship is once again on the rise and those who have counted on jobs are being set free. So being prepared to explore different opportunities is mandatory.
But if parents don’t encourage their children to be creative and look at challenges as opportunities to explore new potentials. The idea of children playing with the box their Christmas gifts came in is a great start.
Encouraging games of imagination should be mandatory and even playing along with imaginary friends will prove extremely helpful in later years when the children face problem solving techniques.
I knew a young woman who answered her phone in tears one day when I called to find out why she hadn’t made our meeting. When I asked her what was wrong she told me her boyfriend had left her, someone had broken a window to get into her car and stole the stereo, her dog ran out into the street and got hit by a car and she just paid the rent and only had only $15 left. Yet she owed the veterinarian $250 for patching up her dog.
She was in complete hesterics by the time she finished telling me all of the details of why she was so upset.
It was quite a lot to deal with but I asked her if she was open to going down to one of the many restaurants about two blocks from where she lived and get a job as a waitress in the evenings so she could have the extra funds she needed. Then her next assignment wass to call the veterinarian and ask what sort of payment arrangements he would accept. I asked her to put a piece of cardboard over the window and use the $15 to buy a retread tire for her car until she could afford a decent one.Then after I told her she could use her Walkman for music until she was able to replace her radio she actually laughed.
She said her parents had never taught her how to use problem solving techniques. She had transformed from a fearful young woman who felt hopeless to an adult who had a plan. It was amazing to witness over a simple hours time.
Are all life’s problems that easy to solve? Not at all. Anyone would know that but when it comes to having parents who want to do everything for their children, they cheat them out of learning how to cope with difficulties and the inevitable challenges of life.