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Western world kids want to grow up to be famous

Children in developing countries want to be doctors

Andrea Macpherson Nov 28, 2011 11:30:05 AM
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Forget becoming Prime Minister or an astronaut, kids living in the western world say when they grow up they want to be famous.  One psychologist says teachers and parents should pay close attention to the answers provided by children surveyed from 44 countries.

The Christian Children's Fund asked 10 to 12-year-olds what they'd like to be when they grow up and almost half in the developing world wanted to be teachers or doctors.  However, almost half in the western world want to pursue acting, singing or fashion design.

Psychologist Dr. Derek Swain isn't surprised by the findings.

"In a narcissistic world people's lives are very shallow.  There needs to be a focus on acknowledging what other people are contributing, how valuable that is and de-emphasizing the notion of paying attention to celebrities simply because they have a name and not because they have actually done anything."

He says narcissistic children turn into adults who often deal with depression and anxiety if they can't live up to their dream of fame.  "People should feel good because of what they do and not just who they are."

Kids were also asked if they could spend their day doing anything what would it be.  In Canada the top answer was play video games.
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