I have three daughters.  Each of them has very different and distinct personalities.  So, when asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” – the answers vary quite a bit as well.  Our 11-year old claims she wants to be a baker.  Our 8-year old wants to be an artist and our 4-year old has recently decided to be a dairy farmer.

As a parent, it’s easy to smile and encourage our kids to be anything they want to be – even if some of their early aspirations might seem a bit outrageous…  not that my daughters’ current dreams are all that crazy.  I would be proud of them no matter what (speaking as a glowing father).

It occurred to me again recently that when I was 10 years old and in 5^th grade, our class was assigned to write a letter to our parents telling them what we wanted to be when we grew up.  I wrote that I wanted to be an architect (spelled “archetect” – my mom still has this letter).  I only had an inkling of what an architect was at the time, but thanks to my dad, who was in the construction business for years and had wanted to become an architect at an early age, I was fortunate enough to benefit from his direct wisdom and positive influence right at home.

It goes without saying, children are our future.  They grow up faster and smarter more than ever these days.  So when I hear whispers of future bakers, artists, or farmers right now, I take it in with a certain level of seriousness.  We as parents simply must foster and continue to encourage our kids’ goals – no matter how outrageous some may seem.

I love being an architect.  I’ve no regrets having recognized that 10-year old vision so many years later.  Many thanks, however, go to my parents.  Without their encouragement and confidence in me, I might have pursued my other passion at the time… and a successful comedian I probably would not have become!