Paul,

It depends on the parents.  I knew what my parent did, because it was explained and I participated in some form.  A

I don't have children and I don't think anyone fully understands what I/we do for a living.  

I don't have kids, but I have 2 cats, and no they don't understand.  But, they do like playing with some of the samples and they LOVE playing with the laser.

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington I have a grown Son so he does know what I do for a living.

My wife does not understand what I do so there's no point explaining it to my son. But I think he understands better than my wife. She has always worked as a nurse and gets a salary so it's hard for her to understand the commission and the amount of time you work for nothing until the reward day of a closing .

Roger D. Mucci 's answer to this question made me realize I need to change my answer to the question about What is the #1 reason agents fail.  LOL   I know Roger was being flip... but, many agents truly don't fully understand what they do for a living.  

Paul,
When my children were very young I was a banker and my kids told people I counted pennies for a living.

Now they are grown and I have helped each of them buy a house. I would say they understand about 70% of what I do.

to the Nth degree....they have since their childhood years and they promoted me to their teachers and other adults!!! now I have my daughter working with me....actually, I WORK FOR HER BY DOING HER MARKETING!!! figure that one out!!

My kids know better than the better half!

Lucky my girl is all grown now so she does.

Well they are grown now but yes they do. I helped my one daughter and her hisbnad buy their first home in LA

No

At 29 and 36 I hope so

Oh yes, they were raised hearing about real estate talk, hearing the phone ring and having me run out to show a house and delayed dinners. They know it takes lots of sacrifices.

No, not really.  But, then again, I don't fully understand them either. 

No one really understands.... and that's saying alot, as my husband has a broker's license, one of our daughters has a mother-in-law who was in the business and a brother-in-law who's still in it. Some days I hardly understand what it is I'm doing!

Yes, she knows what I do, and unlike many in the industry, I do know what I do.

We have no children.

I think so. Daughter in law was the realtor she represented 35 people while had a FT job. Wife had a stunt. 

They know what I do, but they think it only happens when they aren't around or being inconvenienced by it :)

Sometimes I don't even fully understand what I do.

Not fully, no.

They know what I do, but I don't think they understand fully. I don't think they understand that it's commission based and that if I don't have a closing I don't get paid.

NO! They don't at all. They don't understand why I have to take this phone call or why I can't just change my schedule on a dime! One day, hopefully!

Yes, my daughter is a loan originator.

Good morning Paul. Yes they do, both are in business for themselves, they wouldn't have it any other way.

great timing for that question... YES, she does.  She is now under contract buying her first home and got an up close and personal look at what I do.

Most of it, they all grew up in the business and one of them works with me.

They understand it fully.  The frustration of when things go wrong as well as the excitement when things go right.  I work from home and my children have accompanied me to meet clients, so yes I say they do.

My adult son knows what I do but he has no clue exactly what is involved in my daily activities.

No, they don't.  Nobody would ever understand our crazy game unless they did it.  

Nope. I tried to keep them away from all the headaches and disappointments in hopes of them joining our team one day....so far, still waiting.

Yes my kids are grown and grand kids are beginning to understand somewhat.  

My wife and I are incredibly fortunate.  Our two daughters have been self sufficient their entire adult lives.

I don't have any, so they don't or they do.  Not sure how to answer.

No, never have, especially corporate finance and investment banking. I don't think they want to understand the real estate side.