Sadly this is not the case, and we need to be quite intentional about journeying with them and encouraging them to explore all manner of possibilities. Our role as parents and teachers is to support this gradual process by providing guidance, support, and healthy opportunities for self-discovery. There are a number of things we can do to assist our children.

1. Encourage exploration: We should encourage our children to explore various interests, activities, and hobbies. This allows them to develop a broad range of experiences that can help them discover their passions.

2. Be a positive role model: We should demonstrate a strong sense of purpose in our own lives. Our children should see that we are engaged in meaningful activities and that we are pursuing our own goals with passion and dedication. Children often emulate their parents' behaviours.

3. Foster autonomy: We need to give our children the freedom to make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions. This encourages them to think critically and develop a sense of autonomy, which is crucial for cultivating purpose.

4. Discuss their interests: Engage in open and supportive conversations about their interests, values, and goals, and help them identify their strengths and explore opportunities aligned with their passions.

5. Set goals together: Encourage children to set realistic and achievable short-term and long-term goals. Assist them in breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, ensuring they understand the importance of persistence and effort.

6. Emphasize the importance of service: We should make a concerted effort to teach our children about the value of helping others and making a positive impact on their communities. Engage in volunteer activities together to instil a sense of empathy and purposefulness.

7. Provide experiences that develop character: Encourage participation in sports, the arts, or other extracurricular activities that help children develop important qualities like resilience, teamwork, discipline, and determination. Such experiences contribute to the development of purpose.

8. Cultivate a growth mindset: Encourage a mindset that embraces learning, growth, and resilience. Teach children that failures and setbacks are opportunities for growth and encourage them to see challenges as stepping stones toward success.

9. Promote goal-setting habits: We can help our children develop good habits like planning, organisation, and time management. These skills are crucial for setting and achieving goals which contribute to a sense of purpose.

10. Celebrate accomplishments: Whenever our children achieve their goals, big or small, we should celebrate their success. This recognition reinforces the importance of purposeful actions and encourages continued engagement.

A sense of purpose provides our children with a greater sense of direction, motivation, fulfilment, and resilience, making it a powerful force in shaping their lives and impacting the world around them.

Craig Cuyler
Director of Wellbeing/Head of PSHEe/
Deputy DSL/ Assistant Housemaster