Has your child ever expressed an interest in becoming a doctor? Does your child have an aptitude for math and science? What are your motivations for encouraging your child to be a doctor? Does your child have other passions that might lead to a career?
Buying your children literature about doctors and medicine. Some doctors write and produce comic books for young children. Consider buying some for your kid. Getting medical related toys. A toy doctor kit may help to nurture your child’s interest in becoming a doctor. Watching medical shows on television. If your child can relate to a character who is a doctor, he or she may become more excited about the profession.
Some schools have children take a career test. If your child takes one, take this as an opportunity to have a natural conversation about what you child wants to be when he or she grows up. You can encourage your child to consider medicine as a career. On parents’ night at your school, a career adviser may come speak to parents. Ask this adviser about encouraging your child’s interest in medicine and science. The adviser may have input on how to help your child learn about becoming a doctor.
A child may become interested and excited about medicine by interacting with a doctor. Your child can see what it’s like to work in a hospital and learn the benefits of a medical career. Your child will be able to see what a doctor actually does. He or she will be able to watch a doctor interact with patients, deal with medicine, and tackle other challenges of the career.
At a career fair, you can steer your child towards the medical booths. Have your child talk to doctors, nurses, and other people in the medical community. If booths are giving away any pamphlets, have your child take one. This will give him or her the chance to explore the medical field at home. If there is a career fair at your child’s school, offer to chaperone. That way, you can encourage your child to explore the medical booths during school hours.
Doctors develop qualities like confidence, empathy, and self-motivation. Talk about these qualities when your child visits a doctor. Say something like, “Isn’t Dr. Munro kind? She really understands what you’re going through. " You should also teach your child to value hard work. It takes a lot of work to become a doctor, so talk up a doctor’s work ethic. Try saying something like, “Dr. Munro worked hard to become a doctor and many people respect her for that. If you work hard in school, you could be a doctor just like her. "
Science and math are found virtually everywhere, so point out examples whenever possible. If your child loves sports, for example, talk about the anatomy of an athlete. What muscles and bones does a hockey player need to develop? Talk about math in terms of everyday things like cooking. You can try doubling a cookie recipe, for example, and have your child figure out how to convert the measurements.
Tell your child a hard problem is not impossible. Say something like, “Yes, these problems are hard, but think of how exciting it will be to really master this subject. Don’t you want to understand how chemistry works?” You should also let your child know being wrong is not a bad thing. Many children develop anxiety over answering a question wrong. To this, say something like, “A lot of scientists came up with wrong answers to questions for years. Part of the scientific process is being wrong sometimes. " A wrong answer should be seen as a learning opportunity rather than a failure.
Take your child to a local museum, aquarium, planetarium, zoo, and science center. Your child will have fun, while being exposed to math and science as subjects. Programs like 4-H, the Girl Scouts, and Boys and Girls Club may sometimes have community events. Some of these events may be aimed at teaching children about math and science. Try taking your child to one of these events.
Do not say things like, “I was never interested in math as a kid” or “I got the worst grades in these subjects. " This may make your child see failure or disinterest as inevitable. Help your child understand he or she can succeed in these subjects, even if they’re hard. Try saying something like, “I struggled with math as a kid, but I’m so glad I stuck it out and got better. "
For example, you may want your child to spend the summer at a science camp hosted by a local museum. Your child says he or she wants to attend art camp instead. Art camp may not be part of your plan, but remember your child is an individual. Encouraging his or her interests and success is important, but you need to let your child have some independence. If you double down and insist on science camp, you’re not letting your child explore his or her own interests. Try to reach a compromise. Let your child attend art camp, but encourage him or her to explore science on the side. Remember, you have to think about what your child wants rather than what you want. You may envision a certain future for your son or daughter. However, you need to give your child a chance to do what will ultimately make him or her happy.
Look into any advanced placement classes your school offers. See if you can enroll your child in an advanced track that focuses on math and science. See if your school offers summer programs. Your child could take some additional math and science courses over summer break. If your school does not have summer courses, ask teachers and school officials for suggestions. They may know of local summer programs offered to children in your area.
See what extracurriculars are offered at your school. Ask your child, other parents, and teachers for lists of extracurriculars. Look for extracurriculars that focus on math and science. If your school has a science club, for example, this would be an excellent place for your child to develop his or her skill set as a doctor.
Figure out what type of tutor you need. Make sure the tutor you choose has experience teaching your child’s grade level. If you’re looking for a tutor in a specific subject, check a potential tutor’s credentials in that subject. You can find tutors online, through friends, through your child’s school, or through local branches of programs like Sylvan and Kumon. Meet with a variety of tutors before selecting one. You want to ask a variety of questions to make sure a tutor is a good match for your child.
Pay attention to how you talk to your child. You do not want to phrase anything in terms that encourage anxiety. Do not say, “If you don’t get good grades, you will not get into a good school. " This will stress your child out. Instead, say, “Good grades can help you succeed. " Help your child manage his or her emotions. Allow your child to feel what he or she feels. Explain it’s okay to feel angry, scared, or frustrated. Let your child know that he or she has a choice regarding how these emotions affect him or her. Try to give your child healthy means of expressing frustration and fear. Model good behavior. Try to manage stress effectively in your own life. Your child will learn a lot of good coping techniques by watching you.
