When Each Child Writes Their Own Song: Reflections on Passion, Purpose, and Parenting

Last weekend, Nigel and I attended his friend's live show – an intriguing fusion of abstract dance and electronic music composition. The performer had sensors attached to hands, arms, and legs, which translated choreography into real-time audio samples. The result was an experimental piece that straddled the line between contemporary dance and generative sound art. Whilst the format was decidedly avant-garde and perhaps challenging for some audience members to fully grasp, he took time afterwards to walk everyone through the creative process and technology behind it. That kind of openness really struck me – here was a young person bold enough to share something deeply personal, knowing full well it wouldn't resonate with everyone.

Midway through the show, I found myself wondering: who would actually appreciate – let alone pay for – this kind of art? The honest answer was sobering: not many. We encourage our children to pursue their dreams and passions, yet the practical career paths for experimental artists, or many other creative pursuits, remain frustratingly unclear. But here's what I've come to believe: in this age of rapid technological change and artificial intelligence reshaping entire industries, certainty itself has become an illusion. The "safe" careers of yesterday offer no guarantees tomorrow. So perhaps the best preparation we can offer is encouragement to explore, experiment, and discover what truly ignites their spirit – even when the destination remains hazy.

Watching that performance reminded me of something I've observed raising my own children: God has created each one uniquely, with distinct temperaments, interests, and callings. Despite growing up in the same household, under broadly similar parenting, Nigel and his siblings have each gravitated towards completely different passions – shaped by their peers, experiences, and that mysterious inner design that makes them who they are. There's no template, no one-size-fits-all approach. And unlike decades past, when our nation was still developing and survival demanded conformity to established paths, we now inhabit a season of relative prosperity. We have the luxury – and I'd argue, the responsibility – to let our young people explore what sets their souls alight. What they need from us isn't scepticism or premature judgement, but patient support as they try, stumble, learn, and evolve. These emerging voices will shape tomorrow's landscape in ways we can't yet imagine; our role is simply to hold space for their becoming.

A version of this article was posted on LinkedIn