Raising an Astronaut

My five year old wants to be an astronaut. I'm not sure how long vocational phases usually last in little kids, but this one is rather persistent. It has been at least six months since she first fixated on it, and while it isn't the only thing she talks about, it is a top contender and has beaten out princesses and horses.

Her favorite planet is Saturn because of its rings.



She regularly asks to watch videos about space and being an astronaut. I have to say it is a fun project to learn about her interest.

Unfortunately I don't put as much time or effort into encouraging her as I should. I certainly don't discourage it, but I would like to encourage all my kids in their interests and help them fulfill their dreams and desires. I guess what I am saying is I haven't been very intentional about nurturing or even acknowledging their interests at times. I need to be better about it.

I should add it to my evening checklist.

Ideas for encouraging a young astronaut wannabe:

1. Getting pictures of planets and spacecraft to put up in their room
2. Watching videos about space/astronomy/astronauts/spacecraft
3. Get a coloring book or coloring pages for them to work with
4. Go to the air and space museum (we live too close to not)