How to “Climb Every Mountain” with Your Child

The Unique Journey of Parent and Child

The musical The Sound of Music encourages us to “Climb Every Mountain,” but sometimes, that may not be the best approach. As parents, we often want to guide our children on their paths, but it’s important to remember that every child’s journey is unique. Just as no two mountains are identical, the journeys of our children are distinct and filled with their own challenges and opportunities.

While some of us may have climbed the same 'mountain'—such as attending a prestigious university—our children's experiences may be vastly different. My daughter followed in my footsteps by attending my alma mater, which is renowned in Japan for its academic excellence. However, her ambitions and career aspirations take her in an entirely different direction than mine. This serves as a reminder that we cannot force our children to follow the trail we blazed.

Often Overlooked Key of the Climb

In his work, Japanese bestselling self-help author Akira Uenishi articulates a brilliant metaphor: "You can’t climb Mt. Fuji while you are taking a walk around the neighbors." This quote resonates deeply when we consider the skills and knowledge required to conquer significant challenges in life. It emphasizes the importance of preparation and understanding that climbing a high mountain—whether metaphorical or literal—requires both time and effort. In my experience of music career, big opportunities to pursue your dreams don’t come around very often. During this waiting period, you have plenty of time to support your child’s preparation by creating an environment filled with learning, exploration, and patience.

The Family’s Complementary Journey

As your child prepares for their own journey, it’s just as important to invest in yourself in meaningful ways. During this period of growth, you can offer them relevant advice—not just lessons from your past, but insights that align with their present needs. For example, I was learning to use the DJ music sequence software Acid. Because of that, when my daughter needed it for her dance team’s performance, I was able to teach her how to use it.

Also we can easily relate to our children’s aspirations, fears, and interests because, in many ways, they mirror our own. Open communication builds a strong foundation where your child feels truly valued and understood. Talk about their goals, encourage their passions, and be their biggest cheerleader through both successes and setbacks.

As we climb our own metaphorical mountains side by side, we may reach different summits—but from those heights, we can still hear each other’s echoes of victory.

Please remember, every child’s climb is their own. While they may not take the exact path we envision for them, we can support their unique journey with love, patience, and understanding. Let them explore their own mountains, and as they climb, you'll find yourself reaching the peak of your own parenting journey—cherishing every triumph and comforting them through every stumble along the way.