Gordon Ramsay’s 15 year old daughter has followed his foodie footsteps but should you encourage yours to follow you?
It is common knowledge that children learn from what they see. Kids mimic the behaviour, beliefs and attitudes of their parents. If you smoke, your child is more likely to smoke. If you listen to ACDC on repeat, your child will most likely become the next Axl Rose. So should you be surprised if your child follows your career path? Many parents are proud and extremely happy when their children say they are going to follow in their footsteps. As I am sure Gordon Ramsay was. It is often considered an honour for your child to choose to emulate you. Which is probably a major factor as to why many children choose the same occupation as their parents.
However, can you really consider it a good thing, or are there more hidden issues that you think?
Advantages
There is a benefit to your child doing the same job as you. It means they have a role model who can show them the ropes and provide connections. It can also increase the attachment you have with your child, by bringing you closer together. So much to Tilly Ramsay’s dismay, her dad will be able to teach her the basics and network her way to the top. Not that it seems she needs much help with this.
Issues arise
With Gordon Ramsay being known for his cursing and blinding, it would be a surprise to many if there wasn’t a little conflict in the kitchen. Sometimes, you could find yourself butting heads with your child. This doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t work together, it just means you have different ideas about how the work should be done. When this issue arises, it might be difficult to accept your child may have their own ideas about your work.
The pride you feel when your child follows your career is great. But what happens when things turn sour in the office? Should you approach it in the same way you would another work colleague? Unlike Gordon and his need to call someone an “idiot sandwich”, issues can be resolved with a simple conversation.
