Parental Warning

As I watch my young son compete against Boomers for jobs it makes me a bit crazy. He came home from a recent interview at a burrito joint feeling pretty glum. He told me, “The lady interviewing after me was your age. She was OLD! How do I compete against that?”

I immediately went into my helicopter parent mode. I have this urge to buffer my son from the difficulties of a long, hard job search. “Maybe the restaurant manager realizes that someone younger will relate better to their customers. I bet the manager will appreciate your energy and excitement about the opportunity. The OLD candidate may be settling for the job. You, on the other hand, would LOVE this gig.”

Is my perspective helping or hurting my son? When does support turn into hovering or rescuing?
Can a loving parent be objective about their kid’s employability?

What I know for sure is that all job searchers need honest feedback about what they are doing well and areas for improvement. However, as parents we might do better to let go and allow the world to give our kid’s the feedback they need. There is nothing wrong with providing some encouragement. But, we may do more harm than good if we hover and over-protect our kids. Back off and give them a chance to figure it all out on their own. They can do this!

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