There's a way.

13歳のハローワーク (2003/12/02) 村上 龍 商品詳細を見る

I joined an English lesson for free conversation in the morning, and I enjoyed speaking English with other participants as usual. During the time, I introduced one book entitled 「１３歳のハローワーク」, which might be translated "Job-placements for 13-year-old" in English, sold well here in Japan several years ago. This book is aimed at children at the age of around 13 to help them find their future jobs. The author, Ryu Murakami, shows the details of many professions in this book, such as how to get particular licenses or which college to choose to take a degree for a certain job.

I can't remember exactly why I introduced this book during the lesson, but I remember talking about my daughter, who hasn't had any longing jobs yet. When I ask her about her dreams, she always replies that she hasn't come up with any ideas. Don't get me wrong, though. I don't mean to meddle. She has her own life. I perfectly understand that I should'nt stand in her way.

Having said that, I feel awkward to hear my daughter saying "I'm not interested in my future jobs." When I was a child, I really wanted to be a teacher. As I had already determined to go to a college until the age of 7, I never hesitated to choose which high school to take. My daughter is 10 years old, and the age is old enough to think about the future. Having no dreams, is it possible for us to choose the path to go through?

Oh, you don't bother to say "She is still young!" to me. I've never pushed her, of course. However, sometimes I can't understand why she isn't so interested in her future life.
"I'd like to be a singer."
"I'd like to have a cake shop."
"I want to be an actor and marry wealth!."
Whatever is welcomed, don't you think? Children live at present and in future. They are wonderful because they can desire whatever they want. It doesn't matter to make their dreams come true. The thing is, dreaming in itself is important. Every time I hear my daughter's answer, I'm wondering whether our current society fails to let children have their own dreams...

Harry Potter. I guess everyone knows him.
It was almost 8 years ago when I read "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." I've already finished all of "Harry's books", and now my daughter is a huge fan of him.
I'd love her to enjoy reading books. Reading can expand our horizons and also helps us to be imaginative. However, my daughter tends to be into reading too much, and this is a problem I can't ignore! Other than reading, she needs to do homework and help me to do chores as a member of our family.
"I don't have time for it," she sometimes replies.
She frequently forgets to go to bed by 10, and I have to end up raising my voice to say "It's high time!" I'd be happy if I could have a spell or something. What's it for? You can ask a mother who is struggling with raising kids. I'm sure she can relate to me.

I've already read the last volume of Harry Potter in English one year ago. It was an extraordinary story like the previous works. Today, I purchased this published in Japanese for my daughter.
I have a blog about Harry Potter, and I'm looking forward to confirming whether my translations and explications are correct or not.

Harry Potter で English Time
http://49286315.at.webry.info/

I love reading books.

Around 10 years ago, I could only speak rudimentary English, and I had no idea how to read English novels. Back then, I corresponded with an Englishwoman, Alison. Actually, she was the one who opened a door for me and led me into a wonderful world.

I got a birthday present from her. It was the first edition of Harry Potter. "I'm sure you would love this," she said. It'd be surely rude to her if I had stayed away from it. I started to read with an English dictionary. It took lots of time for me, but I was immediately immersed in Harry's adventure.

Unfortunately, we haven't written each other for more than 7 years. I don't know where she lives, what she likes and how she raises her two lovely kids. Having said that, whenever I enjoy Harry Potter books, she always comes into my mind.