By Jae-Ha Kim
jaehakim.com
July 30, 2017
My son wants to play for the NBA.
I am not a born optimist and could point out all the reasons why that most likely won’t happen.
But.
I also don’t want to be the mom who’s a dream killer, because children need dreams — and goals.
His career choices change depending on his mood. He wanted to be a fireman and a police officer when he was in pre-school. In kindergarten, he wanted to become an astronaut. As he grew older, he has been toying with the idea of pursuing a career as a chef…or a scientist…or professional fisherman.
Or a K-Pop star.
If he can figure out a way to make a living playing with fidget spinners, I think that would seal the deal.
But if you ask him what his dream job is, he won’t say he wants to become a journalist like his mother. (Hmmm, go figure.) He will tell you he wants to play pro basketball.
Like many children his age, he idolizes Stephen Curry. He has Stephen Curry socks, shoes and jersey. He has a Curry basketball that (I think) has the Golden State Warriors point guard’s face on it.
And so, today, we took him to the Under Armour store on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue and bought him a few more Curry things.
Stephen Curry — you are costing me a small fortune. But as long as you continue to be a good role model for my kid, I’m OK with that.
@2017 JAE-HA KIM | All Rights Reserved
I love this piece, Jae. Such a delightful glimpse into your son’s mind and how you are raising him to be his own person.
People downplay the role that dreams play in a child’s success. Without dreams, without imagination, without goals, what is there? Your son may not be able to achieve all his dreams, but he can’t try if he doesn’t have one. Good luck young man! I look forward to watching you play in the NBA, or opening your new restaurant, or to becoming a firefighter!!
Haha!! His role model wasn’t you or his dad?! Well, When I was a kid my mom or dad as a role model I’m still do 😜
We’re the less cool role models who can’t throw 3-point shots like Curry…😵😉
Kids aren allowed to have more than one role model! 😛
It doesn’t say that Jae and her husband aren’t role models to their son. It says that Steph is a good role model: “Stephen Curry — you are costing me a small fortune. But as long as you continue to be a good role model for my kid, I’m OK with that.”
Kids like athletes and Curry is one who I am comfortable as a role model.
Dream big, Kyle! You’ll make it!
My sons love Curry, too. There are worse athletes out there to idolize. He seems like a good man.
Wonderful post. I grew up with parents who told me all the reasons why I wasn’t good enough to become a concert pianist. Was I? Doubtful. I didn’t have that kind of drive. But when you tell a 7 year old that they’re not good enough, of course that’s what they will believe. I don’t believe in coddling children into thinking they are exceptional when they are not. But let them dream when they are little. I agree!!