I generally operate as if I'm in a low level state of war, or maybe a minor border skirmish with the 1%. Kids from extreme privilege can have their profiles raised effortlessly when a parent simply writes a big fat check to buy access to select programs, cultural enrichment activities, private lessons, private tutors, travel opportunities, and ultimately, the college of their choice.
Not so for the rest of us. I'm always exploring how the other 99% of kids without the economic advantages can raise their profile to receive recognition and rewards? We, and our kids, have to work a whole lot harder at finding access to opportunities. And we have to start early. If you wait until your kid's in high school, you may have lost valuable time. Kids don't need to be intellectual giants, or even especially talented. What they need to be is motivated, passionate and innovative enough to stand out. Those are qualities that can actually be taught and nurtured. It doesn't matter what they're passionate about, as long as they are able to envision that passion as a means to a bigger end. Something that could ultimately earn them a recognition award, a scholarship, a trip, a contract ... a job. It is never too soon to start talking to your kid about their passions, to help them uncover what they love and then help them transform that into something that will raise their profile in the world.
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