Kids and College?
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You and your boyfriend are each half right. If you can, it's a good idea to go to college. However, not going to college isn't necessarily going to ruin your life.
It's all about options. Getting a college degree gives you options you don't have if you don't have a degree. If you want to be a salesman you probably don't need a college degree. If you're a good salesman you can make good money anyway. However, if you want to do much else, you're going to need the college degree.
Also, going to college isn't just about getting a better job. It's also about becoming a generally well educated person.
All of that being said, the other poster is right. He's only 7. It's normal for him to hate school. Let him have his "I hate school, I'm never going to college" opinion. If his grades suffer, or he still holds that opinion in high school, then you should invest the time to have a serious talk about it with him.
hes only 7 hes probably gonna change his mind later on
Tell him he doesnt need to go to college to enjoy life, and you will support him no matter what he does. You can talk to him about college after he grows older; this is WAY too early.
Well when I was seven I wanted to be singer or a teacher. He'll probably change his mind once he gets older and goes through school and realizes how important it is. If he says anything about it again, just explain to him how there are special things to pay for college such as grants, student loans, and scholarships. There are so many websites that just give out scholarships for simply having blue eyes. Tell him not to worry about the financial issues until the time comes for college. Also there are community colleges and such. Finanical Aid is there also. I thought I would never be able to go to college but I went to fastweb.com got so many scholarships/grants that I would be given $1,200 every term for books and extra finances. Just tell him not to worry and if you start saving now you should be fine. Goodluck
He's only 7 and concerned about your financial future, awww...
The boyfriend is right there are lots of different options about what to do with life in adulthood. You are right, too. It's a whole lot easier with a college education than without it!
There are lots of options to pay for college. One of the best ways is with a scholarship! Encourage your son to do his very best in school.
At 7, I wanted to be a movie star, so, his mind will change. I now plan on going to university to become a social worker.
I tell my seven year old that he will go to college for many of the same reasons you named. But he is just seven and his opinion will change. As he gets older you can discuss the many different ways that are out there to pay for college as the time nears. But just so you know there are many options available to help pay for college. Like pell grant that depends on the parents income if it meets the requirements, and if that doesn't work then you can take out student loans. But it will all work out, and in my opinion you are doing the right thing.
Hi that’s just kewl that he is thinking about you like that, but I am sorry I agree with your boyfriend on this one. Not to put you down, but you have to be careful what you say to your children. We all want what’s best for the kids in are life. So keep in mind not to put big goals like college on the plate of a 7Yo and expect him to eat it all up. However, there are positive ways of driving him in that direction. Like if their is something he really likes doing like drawling, football, baseball, singing, or just about anything you can think off you can use to say you like that maybe that’s what you can do in college. And as far as the money is concerned, that is what mommies are for hehe.
I'm going to give my credentials, not to brag but to justify why I might have a worthy opinion on this. I received my BA, my MA, my PhD and my JD (law degree). Part of the work for the MA and PhD was teaching undergraduates and I did so for 3.5 years.
1. University/College is a great experience that does everyone good that takes advantage of it.
2. Not everyone will take advantage of it.
3. Not everyone should go when they might take advantage of other opportunities.
Most state universities have about a 50% matriculation rate and on average these days, it takes 5-6 years for young adults to get their BA/BS degree. That is because people feel they have to go but while there they find that they aren't interested or their natural talents are not well suited by the university/college setting.
You wont be able to tell at that young of an age, but I think it is good as a parent to ensure the child has the CHANCE to go. That means making sure the child receives good grades, learns languages, plays sports and learns leadership. If at the age of 17/18 the child, who has been given all the tools, decides not to go then they at least had the opportunity. If the child gives up early on and is not encouraged by his/her parent, then they wont have that chance later on.
he is 7 years old and he may change his mind but still you can successful without a degree. I mean just because you don't have a college diploma doesn't mean you can't do anything with your life. And your bf is right
I hope he did not say this in front of your son. I believe you have to have a “united front” in front of the kids, and then the adults can discuss later if they disagree.
I think you are right to instill expectations. No, he may not go to college, but you have to wait to see what kind of person he may become. He may even earn an academic or sports scholarship. 7 is too young to say "I'm not going".
My son brought up college around 7 as well and stated he wanted to go to University of Michigan (where do they get this stuff?). I told him he better get some scholarships because that is an expensive school. Then we spoke more and I told he we expected him to go to college or go 1/2 time and get a part time job, or get a full time job and pay rent.
If the only reason (right now) your son doesn’t want to go is due to money, let him know if he wants to you the two of you will make it happen. You may not be able to afford to send him away to college, but he could start at a community college and get his first 2 years in at sometimes 1/2 the price. There are many grants and scholarships out there and you do not have to re-pay these. And as a last resort, get student loans.
Take care and good luck.
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