Parents across Greater Manchester are being encouraged not to worry when their children repeatedly change their minds about what they want to be when they grow up.
From becoming a footballer or vet to dreaming of life as an astronaut, YouTuber or engineer, children’s career ambitions can change quickly as they discover new interests and learn more about the world.
Vishnu Tellakula, owner of Code Ninjas Trafford, said changing ambitions should usually be viewed as a healthy part of childhood rather than a sign that a child lacks direction.
Research published in 2025 found that around 60 per cent of children aged between seven and 11 changed their career aspirations over a three-year period.
Tellakula said: “Children are not supposed to have their futures mapped out at a young age. They are constantly discovering new ideas, meeting people with different careers and finding interests they may not have encountered before.”
Rather than concentrating on a particular job title, parents are being advised to identify the interests and motivations behind their child’s ambitions.
A child who wants to become a vet may be expressing a love of animals, while an aspiring footballer may be attracted to teamwork, competition or achievement.
Children interested in becoming YouTubers may enjoy storytelling, creativity or sharing ideas, while those dreaming of becoming astronauts may be drawn to science, discovery and adventure.
Parents can use these ambitions as a starting point for conversations by asking what appeals to the child about the role.
Tellakula said: “The answer often tells you more about what excites a child than what they will eventually do for a living.”
Skills such as problem-solving, communication, creativity, teamwork and resilience can be useful across almost every profession, including jobs that may not yet exist.
These abilities can be developed through school projects, sports, creative activities, coding, building, clubs and other situations where children are encouraged to experiment and learn from mistakes.
At Code Ninjas Trafford, staff regularly see children arrive with an interest in video games, robotics or technology before discovering new creative and practical skills through the activities they undertake.
Tellakula said parents could support children by praising their effort and curiosity rather than placing pressure on them to make long-term decisions.
“A child who wants to become an astronaut does not need a five-year career plan,” he said.
“What matters is giving children opportunities to explore their interests, ask questions and develop the confidence to try something new.”
Parents are also reminded that adults increasingly change jobs, retrain or move into entirely different industries during their working lives.
Estimates suggest many people now experience between three and seven careers, making adaptability and a willingness to learn increasingly valuable.
Tellakula added: “The career a child talks about today may change again next week. The confidence to learn, adapt and keep trying is what parents should encourage them to hold on to.”
