D-Empress

The other day I was admiring my five-year-old god-daughter's sense of style. She had layered a sun dress, funky jeans, a strappy top and a cardigan slung over her left shoulder. All this carefully selected in complementing layers of pink and red.

I figured she looked good and congratulated her on what I assured her was a God-given gift and a talent that I hoped she would nurture if it was her passion.

Her father, eavesdropping on the conversation, became noticeably unsettled as he read the newspaper in the corner of the room. As little Kizzi bounced out of the room, he looked distressed as he shared his thoughts and his intentions for his child's future. Kizzi was a bright girl and he hoped that she would tone down the artistic side of her nature and plan to get a 'trade', something reliable, that would earn her a stable income.

Well-plotted plan

Intrigued, I listened to his reasoning. As he explained his well-lotted plan for his five children, I could see he wanted nothing but the best for them. Securing their future was uppermost in his mind. That he was prepared to strong-arm them into stable professions, once they had attained at least an undergraduate degree, seemed completely natural to him. In fact, he went on to say, he felt it was his obligation.

The issue was not so clear cut for his wife. Her thoughts were equally focused on education. However, she did ponder what might happen if one of their children was not naturally academically inclined.

Their intention, like most parents across the globe, is an honourable one. It would seem ludicrous that a parent would want anything but the best for their children. The question, however, is how 'the best' is defined and measured.

Kizzi's father, a modern man of the 21st century, still views a world shaped the way he saw it when he was growing up. He and a host of other parents would hope it would stay the same so that the rules for creating wealth and successful living can be drummed into their children from year one.

Global trends show that the creative industries are among the fastest-growing economies in the world. Governments the world over are striving to harness this, creating earth-shifting paradigms. The stable professions may still survive, but even the way you consult as a doctor will undoubtedly lean on creative approaches more than ever before.

So, in the search for untold wealth and the honourable desire to give our children a head start, let's remember Kizzi's approach to life - creative, carefree and unstructured. The pot of gold may no longer sit at the end of the rainbow.

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