Sunny Side Up: Don’t shut down children’s excitement

When a child gets excited about something, many parents tend to react by pulling them back -- which leads to happiness and joy being dulled. Don't do that, says the columnists. — 123rf

When I was in secondary school I discovered I was a decent goalkeeper, and the more I played football, the more excited I felt about the game. I remember talking about that excitement at home, and my mum telling me she was glad, but reminding me that only a tiny number of people make it as professional footballers.

At the time, I found her words bizarre. I knew I wouldn’t become a professional and had no desire to try. Nevertheless, it dampened the enthusiasm I felt, and it was some time before I shared similar experiences. Friends of mine also encountered this. Some who loved music were told how unlikely it was to make a living from it, while others who enjoyed painting, writing, or cooking were nudged towards more "practical" pursuits. There was obviously a reason for this advice, but it can hinder rather than help.