A: First, a parent should never discourage a child from following his dreams. Even though the odds are against most who plan to be a professional ball player, an actor or actress, or an astronaut, we also know that there are plenty of these people out there, and your child could just be one of the lucky ones who makes it into the professional ranks. Why, Michael Jordan, perhaps the most famous basketball player who ever lived, was cut from his high school basketball team his sophomore year. So, we need to encourage our children and help them pursue whatever dreams they have. But we also need to help them see reality. Support your child in his athletic endeavors, but encourage him to study hard and to have a “backup” career plan too. Help him see that many other careers can be just as fun and fulfilling. By identifying more options, your child will increase the likelihood that he will make good choices. And if his first choice doesn’t work out, he will have a Plan B.

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