PLANO, Texas — What do you want to be when you grow up?
This question is often a rite of passage for children, but child psychologist now suggests that question can often limit children into thinking they need to have one specific career path in mind and stick to it.
"It's all about recognizing our child's passions, interests, and finding out how they want to make a positive impact in this world," Kim Muench, a certified parent coach from the Real-Life Parent Guide, said.
One Plano family is living that philosophy, allowing their son to go all in on multiple passions throughout his childhood.
In Oak Cliff, there's a homemade boxing gym built by a father and his two sons. The rink was built by Charles Hatley's father. Hatley had a record of 250-12 during his amateur career. He also won the 2007 U.S. National Amateur welterweight championship and was a 2008 Olympic alternate. Hatley was in the ring by the age of 10.
"We grew up boxing it's my heart and passion," Hatley said.
Charles now trains other fighters in North Texas. He had no idea his protégé would be a former teen gymnast from Plano named Halen Watterson.
"I was a former gymnast, and I won many medals, but I just have so much passion for boxing," Watterson said. "I also love my coach, Charles."
Halen's parents drive him from Plano to Southern Dallas every day to train for two hours before school. Roderick Watterson, Halen's dad did not expect his son to say he wants to be a boxer when he grows up, but he refused to discourage his passion.
"I'm a jeweler and a client of mine connected me with Charles," he said. "I asked him for a moment of his time to see if my son has what it takes. He did and he called me a few days later and said he would be willing to train my son."
The world of work is rapidly changing, Muench said. 15-year-old Halen Watterson is a part of the generation that will most likely change their career multiple times throughout their lifetime, unlike baby boomers who often hold the same position for decades, she added.
"This is not about putting pressure on kids we need to help them find their purpose without making it so job-specific," Muench said.
Muench suggests instead of asking kids what they want to be when they grow up, ask them what they envision for their future. Help them focus on developing the skills, knowledge, and character traits they need to be successful in life.
Halen's parents say their child's grit to be a boxer fosters discipline and dedication, skills you need to be a leader.