Recently, I caught up with Ellen Langas, a career education advocate and the author of the Girls Know How® series, who shares tips to encourage kids to explore the careers of their dreams. I asked her to share her vision and tell us more about the books she has created.
As she fills us in below, know that you have a super opportunity to grab the Girls Know How® books this week! In recognition of Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® Day, this coming Thursday, April 28, Girls Know How teamed up with online retailer Zulily to offer an exclusive set of three chapter books, ideal for children ages 7 – 12. One book includes a bonus signature by Langas. In addition, 100 books will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence during the special event. Books can be ordered through Zulily this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (April 28 – 30).
Mark your calendar now to buy your set and please join me in welcoming Ellen Langas!
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What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?
How to Inspire Kids to Achieve the Careers of Their Dreams
Even the loftiest career ideas seem possible to a child while dreaming of his or her future. But as concerns with body consciousness and social acceptance enter the equation for tween girls, the tables can abruptly turn. As parents, we can support our kids, and especially our daughters, by eliminating pre-conceived notions of career limitations and by exposing them to a variety of career options and positive role models.
Don’t worry if your child seems to change his or her mind often or considers unconventional paths. Now is the time to help them cultivate their curiosity and explore options. Over time, the cumulative benefit can enhance self-confidence in their capabilities, helping them maintain a healthy goal orientation and paving the way for good educational choices and eventual careers.
There are plenty of age-appropriate activities at every level to inspire kids:
- Follow the Shadow – Job shadowing is a powerful tool to help children of any age gain a sense of career direction and professionalism, as well as a taste of a particular career. Children can spend a day or afternoon with a parent or family friend at work to get a firsthand glimpse into a career of interest. For instance, Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® Day (Thursday, April 28) has inspired future generations of girls and boys by bringing them into the workplace to explore the many life choices they have.
- My First Resume – Whether it’s running a lemonade stand, babysitting, winning the 6th grade science fair or volunteering, there are plenty of activities suited for a young person’s resume. Help your child prepare one and show how his or her teamwork, leadership, communication skills and achievements translate into valuable job skills.
- Read It – Help your child select books about a variety of careers or college majors at the library or local book store.
- Report It – Interview a family member or friend about his or her career; set aside a time for the child to present and discuss the findings.
- Get Involved – Volunteer with your child for organizations that can provide exposure to a wide variety of job functions, or introduce your son or daughter to the wonderful world of scouting, which offers incredible leadership experiences.
- Get a Job! – Kids can tackle jobs at just about any age. Help your child find something suitable that will offer exposure to concepts such as time, money and project management, plus develop critical thinking skills and creativity. Get those entrepreneurial juices flowing. Jobs can range from mother’s helper to lawn maintenance, picking up mail for vacationers, painting and more depending on age and aptitude. Provide adequate supervision for youngsters.
More on the Girls Know How book series:
Girls Know How® books inspire young readers, ages 7-12, to pursue the careers of their dreams. Each book within the fiction series features a girl presented with a challenge who is encouraged by a character inspired by a real-life successful role model. The Girls Know How® series was named among the best in family-friendly media, receiving the Gold Award for Juvenile Level 2 Books ages 9-12 from the Mom’s Choice Awards. The first three titles of the series are Will Stephanie Get the Story, Raising the Roof and Smart Alex. The next title, focusing on science, is expected to be released this fall.
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Follow along with the series through the website and make sure to check out Girls Know How® on Zulily this week!
****No compensation or product was received in exchange for this post, however, the post does contain an affiliate link to the retailer Zulily.****
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Julia Sherwin says
My oldest daughter has read the books in this series, and absolutely loves them! She was 9 when she was first introduced to Girls Know How, when the author graciously agreed to speak at her Girl Scout troop meeting to talk about career choices. She is local to the Philadelphia region. Although I didn’t always have this topic as top of mind, I realize how important it is for young children, boys and girls, to understand that the world is really available to them to choose a career that fits their interests!
Janine Huldie says
I never heard of this book series, but my older daughter is now reading chapter books and will totally have to look into them now for her. Thanks for sharing, Meredith!! 🙂