Experts agree that understanding the world of work and planning for a career is a developmental process. Differentiating interests, likes, dislikes, as well as learning to make choices are really preliminaries to career planning. Throughout their lifetime our children will regularly draw and build upon the foundation skills they learned early in life. Career awareness begins as soon as children are exposed to role models.
Preschoolers love to role play, mimicking what they know and admire.
During the elementary school years children become aware of their community and the roles and jobs that adults perform. Adolescents are able to make finer distinctions, connect educational achievement with career opportunities, and understand the process of career planning. Have conversations with your children about the careers and roles you encounter in story books, movies, or TV programs. Discuss what the careers or roles involve. Find out if your children like or dislike the possibilities.