Has your child inherited your strong sense of fashion? Are they considering a career in the industry? As a parent, you probably feel both a mix of pride that your child has a passion for something that you enjoy alongside some caution about imposing your own ideas on them. Fortunately, kids, especially as they turn into teenagers, are pretty good at staking out their own territory, so you can feel confident that if this is an interest that they continue to pursue, it's probably a genuine one. So, how can you encourage them and help them prepare for a career in the fashion industry?
Help Them Research
A common issue that young people encounter when they're interested in certain careers is that they don't know anyone who actually works in that field. If you're a fashion hobbyist, that's very different from being a professional, but it does mean that you're in a great position to help your kid research the industry. There are a number of questions you can work together to find the answer to. What are the different types of jobs in the field? Which ones are hardest and easiest to break into? What skills are required? What kind of education is necessary?
Getting a Degree
Your child will be in a better position in this competitive industry with a degree in fashion design or something related. However, many kids and parents alike are concerned about what college costs. You can help your child research scholarships and other ways to pay for school. You may also want to look into a low-rate Private Parent Loan yourself. This is a great way for you to help your child with their education because it allows them to graduate without student loan debt.
Encourage Necessary Skills
Long before your child is ready to go to college, you can help them develop the skills they'll need to succeed in the industry. Encourage them to uplift their appearance and style regularly. This means they should create their own sense of style, even if it is very different from your own. If they want to be designers, they need to work on their drawing skills. Good communication skills, being detail-oriented, and creativity are important in this industry. You can also help them work on skills that will help them in this and almost any other career as well, such as leadership and problem-solving.
Stepping Back
As a parent who wants to do everything you can to support your child's plans, you might feel as though there's no such thing as doing too much. However, there are a couple of reasons that you need to know when it's the right time to take a step back. One reason is that some kids can begin to feel as though they have to live up to their parents' expectations, and you don't want to lock them into a fashion career if they eventually end up heading in another direction. The other reason is that they need to begin to take the initiative, especially as they get older. Becoming more independent and taking the necessary steps on their own in pursuit of a career, such as applying for internships in college, will increase the likelihood of their long-term success.
