BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

The Age Parents Want Their Kids to Start Thinking About Careers May Surprise You

It’s way earlier than you think.
save article
profile picture of Stephanie Grassullo
By Stephanie Grassullo, Contributing Writer
Updated May 23, 2019
pre-school age child playing with spaceship, thinking of being an astronaut
Image: iStock

Crawl, walk, work?

Parents today want kids to start thinking about the future right from the get go. After surveying 2,000 parents, The Toy Association found 56 percent of parents have a career in mind for their kids when they’re only five and a half years old.

You’ve probably heard a lot about the importance of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), so it’s no shocker that nine out of 10 parents try to encourage their kids to develop skills in these areas. Which is why the majority of parents want their little ones to end up in STEM/STEAM career fields. The most popular picks? Engineer, doctor and web developer/programmer.

Other skills they think are crucial for their children to develop now in order to reach success later in life are written and oral communication (60 percent), tech and computer literacy (58 percent) and mathematics (57 percent).

The biggest roadblock standing in parents’ way of early skill training? Screen time. Most moms and dads feel like they’re constantly competing with non-educational use of tablets and phones to get their kids’ undivided attention. Because of the excessive amount of screen time, parents say their children are more technologically savvy than their parents by the time they are eight years old.

In order to start them young, 85 percent of moms and dads try to foster a hunger for learning through play. Their favorite go-tos are STEAM-focused toys (67 percent), at-home experiments (57 percent) and learning-focused apps (54 percent).

“Play is how children learn the skills and prowess they need for success in life, and the toys they play with are an integral part in helping them develop interests and passions that will serve as a foundation of a future career.” says Ken Seiter, EVP of marketing communications at The Toy Association.

Not sure what’s the real deal when it comes to toys that’ll boost baby’s brain? Check out The Bump’s picks for the best developmental toys for babies and toddlers. And no, high-tech toys aren’t always the favorite. Experts say a cardboard box will do the trick.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

two toddlers in the bath together sharing toys
How to Teach Toddlers to Share
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
2 toddlers playing in sand at playground
What Is Parallel Play—and Why Is It Important for Kids?
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
Mom teaching her baby object permanence with two toys.
How and When Do Babies Develop Object Permanence?
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
asian father reading book with daughter on couch at home
25 Kids Books Under $20 That Celebrate AAPI Culture
By Wyndi Kappes
sleeping newborn baby
Routine Hearing Test Could Detect Autism in Newborns, Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
toys that have been inducted into the toy hall of fame
These Three Toys Were Just Inducted Into the National Toy Hall of Fame
By Stephanie Grassullo
sesame place entrance sign
Why the Incidents at Sesame Place Are So Problematic
By Jen Hayes Lee
ADVERTISEMENT
mother and baby sitting at desk working at home during covid pandemic
Baby's Social Development Hasn't Been Affected by COVID, New Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
happy mom lifting up baby and singing to her
6 Smart Ways to Stimulate Baby's Mind
By Paula Kashtan
juneteenth children's books 2022
10 Children’s Books That Celebrate Juneteenth
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
colin kaepernick interacting with fans during spring football game in michigan
Colin Kaepernick’s New Kids’ Book Teaches It’s Normal to Be Different
By Nehal Aggarwal
mother kissing autistic son on forehead while teaching school at home
We Don’t Need Autism Awareness—We Need Autism Acceptance, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
amy schumer on set of life & beth in new york city
Amy Schumer Opens Up About Son’s Possible Future Autism Spectrum Diagnosis
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
father holding baby at home
Babies Can Understand Visual Observations at 4 Months Old, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
toddler kissing mother while reading books in bed at home
This One Thing Helps Babies Identify Close Family Relationships, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
Introducing Ji-Young, Sesame Street's First Asian-American Muppet
Introducing Ji-Young, Sesame Street's First Asian-American Muppet
By Nehal Aggarwal
5 Things This Mom Wants You to Know About Having a Child With Dwarfism
5 Things This Mom Wants You to Know About Having a Child With Dwarfism
By Melissa Horvath
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of Disney Princess from underrepresented countries.
Check Out These Reimagined Disney Princesses From Underrepresented Countries
By Nehal Aggarwal
Scene from Disney Land with colorful balloons.
Check Out Disney’s New Rainbow Collection in Honor of Pride Month
By Nehal Aggarwal
Grandfather sitting with his two grand daughters and reading a book.
16 Books That Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Culture
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.