“What do you want to be when you grow up?” We keep on asking our kids this question curious as to what they will answer. It is normal to be curios and excited for their future, but have we ever really tried to lead them to live a purposeful life other than just mere living?

Young people nowadays are in search for seeking purpose in life. They believe that there is more to life than just living their daily routine. Purpose keeps us going, it is a map that directs us not to go further but to go deeper in life.

However, no matter how much we want have purpose in life there is n adversity in it. Some research suggests that negative experiences early in life can hinder our development of purpose, even decades later. Psychologist Patrick Hill and his colleagues studied over 3,800 primarily white adults ages 20 to 75. They reported on any early childhood adversity they had experienced—including experiences of emotional abuse, physical abuse, socioeconomic disadvantage, family structure disadvantage (for example, parents divorcing or dying), and health disadvantage (for example, poor early physical or emotional health)—as well as their sense of purpose as adults. According to Maryam Abdullah, “Individuals who experience early adversity are not ‘doomed’ to a lower sense of purpose later in life,” the researchers write. “Instead, early adversity may be better viewed as a potential risk factor.”

How different adversities affect children later on in life? When a child is put in an environment where he or she feels unsafe, or where there are frequent conflicts these factors saps the child’s energy and motivation in life. It can lead to a less active and less motivated lifestyle. Unconsciously their enthusiasm starts to fade away and having a clear purpose becomes a distant memory.

What can we do to lead our children into a more purposeful life? Positive experiences in childhood may set up children for purpose later in life and this includes happy neighbourhood, warm school atmosphere and even nature’s beauty. When we allow children to have this good environment, we are creating good memories in them and this leads them to find more meaning in life.  It is therefore in our hands and in our capabilities to raise children into adults with purpose and meaning in life.

By: Emeliza M. Magdaraog | Teacher 1 | Kalalake Elementary School