Let Me Dream: Why Children Need Support, Not Suppression

Children often dream big, but these dreams can be crushed by societal or parental expectations. Instead of forcing career choices, parents and teachers should support kids in exploring their interests and building confidence. When children are allowed to follow their passions, they grow into happier, more fulfilled individuals.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Every child carries a dream in their heart—some dream of painting the skies, some of healing lives, others of creating music that touches souls. But somewhere between childhood dreams and adult decisions, reality strikes. 

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Too often, those dreams are replaced, not by the child’s own choice, but by society’s expectations or a parent's unfulfilled ambitions.

 

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

It’s a question every child hears. For some, it sparks excitement. For others, it triggers confusion or pressure.

It’s not just a harmless inquiry. It often sets the tone for how seriously a child’s dreams will be taken—or dismissed. And sadly, too often, the question is followed by expectations that have little to do with what the child truly wants.

This post is about dreams—how they’re born, how they change, and how they’re either nurtured or neglected. It’s also about the role parents and teachers play in shaping those dreams, either into reality or regret.

The Problem: Are Children Really Free to Dream?

Let’s be honest: In many homes, a child’s career path is still decided by the parents long before the child discovers their own interests.

Doctors. Engineers. Government officers. The "safe" and "respectable" careers.

But here's the issue: Not every child wants to follow that path. And when children dare to dream beyond the conventional, they’re often met with skepticism, fear, or flat-out rejection.

Real Talk:

"There’s no future in that."

"How will you earn money?"

"That’s just a hobby, not a real career."

These comments stifle curiosity and kill confidence. Over time, children learn to dream smaller—or stop dreaming altogether.

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When Dreams Are Silenced Too Soon

We all know someone like this—a bright, imaginative child who once dreamed of becoming something “different.”

Dream #1: The Budding Fashion Designer

At just 9 years old, she fell in love with colors, creativity, and confidence. Fashion fascinated her. She would sketch outfits in her notebook and imagine them coming alive on the runway.

But when she shared this dream with her parents, their response wasn’t encouraging.

“Fashion isn’t a real career. Why not aim to be a doctor or engineer instead?”

The sparkle in her eyes faded. Not because she stopped believing in her dream, but because those she trusted didn’t believe in it with her.

Dream #2: The Logical Switch to Tech

By the time she reached 8th grade, she shifted her focus to computers. Tech was booming, and the idea of becoming a software engineer felt more “practical.” It earned nods of approval from teachers and relatives alike.

But beneath the surface, the creative voice that once dreamed in fabric and flair still whispered: “What about fashion?”

Today: A Career Chosen for Stability

Now she’s on the commerce path—studying for a future in business, perhaps as a Company Secretary or Manager. There’s a level of comfort and clarity in it. But her journey wasn’t straight.

It zigzagged through unspoken dreams, societal expectations, and internal battles between passion and practicality.

The Solution: Support Doesn’t Always Mean Control

Here’s the truth:

Supporting a child’s dream doesn't mean choosing the dream for them. It means helping them explore, learn, and grow—even if the dream changes.

Thankfully, in other areas, my parents and teachers have been incredibly supportive. They encouraged me in drawing, craft, and creative expression. I’ve earned certificates in art, and today, I’m learning photography—another passion I’m excited to develop.

Their support in these areas made me feel capable, validated, and strong.

Imagine if we extended that same support to every dream, big or small, academic or artistic.

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Why Do Children Change Their Dreams Often?

This is another fear parents often have:

"My child keeps changing their mind. How can I trust their decision?"

Here’s why that’s normal and even healthy:

• Children grow. Their brains are still developing.

• Interests evolve. Exposure to new subjects changes perspectives.

• Dreams aren’t fixed. Even adults change careers multiple times.

What children need is the freedom to explore, not the fear of being wrong.

What Can Parents and Teachers Do Instead?

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of “What will you become?” try asking:

• “What excites you right now?”

• “What would you love to learn more about?”

• “Is there a hobby you wish you had more time for?”

2. Validate, Don’t Judge

When a child says, “I want to be a dancer,” don’t dismiss it. Encourage them to explore it through classes, videos, or role models.

3. Offer Exposure

Let them attend workshops, internships, competitions—even if they later change their mind. It builds experience and confidence.

4. Let Mistakes Happen

Sometimes a dream may not work out, and that’s okay. Failing early teaches resilience, adaptability, and grit.

The Shift in Today’s Generation

We’re witnessing a massive change.

Today’s youth dream of becoming:

• Singers, YouTubers, DJs

• Entrepreneurs and Artists

• Professional Athletes or Gamers

And guess what? They’re succeeding.

With digital platforms, alternative careers are not just possible—they’re profitable.

But they still need one thing: belief from the adults around them.

Jhamelbobonao

Gratitude: The Advice That Mattered

I want to thank the people who supported me in unexpected ways.

• To my teachers who praised my art and guided me during competitions, thank you.

• To my parents, who helped me submit craft assignments and proudly displayed my drawings, thank you.

• To my friends who encouraged me to share my work online, thank you.

Sometimes, the dream may not turn into a job. But the confidence it builds? That’s for life.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

— Walt Disney

Conclusion: Let Children Create Their Own Roadmaps

It’s time we stop projecting our dreams onto children and start listening to theirs.

Let them draw, dance, code, play, paint, sing, or explore business. Let them be doctors—if that’s what they want. But also let them be DJs, designers, or digital creators.

We don’t need a generation that’s successful but unhappy. We need a generation that is fulfilled, passionate, and free.

“Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

— Harriet Tubman

Key Takeaways:

• Children’s dreams are valid—even if they change over time.

• Pressuring kids to follow conventional careers stifles their growth.

• Support means guidance, not control.

• Exposure to diverse fields helps children make informed choices.

• Confidence and creativity matter just as much as marks and degrees.

• Success should be defined by fulfillment, not just money or status.

If you're a parent, teacher, or mentor, take a moment today to ask a child what they truly want to become—and really listen. Support them not just with words, but with encouragement, exposure, and belief. Because when we nurture their dreams, we empower their future.

Are we guiding children to chase their dreams—or are we unknowingly replacing them with our own?

Share your thoughts in the comments section.