As a parent, teaching entrepreneurship to my daughter has been a transformative journey. It’s not just about building a business; it’s about nurturing skills, confidence, and independence. Along the way, I’ve discovered several key lessons that have shaped how I approach this process. Here are the top five insights I’ve gained so far:
1. Short, Bite-Sized Lessons Are the Most Impactful
Kids thrive when learning is simple and focused. I found that our most effective lessons were the ones that lasted just a few minutes. Whether it was a quick discussion on how to price her products or a short demonstration of packaging techniques, these moments were easy for her to absorb and recall later.
The beauty of bite-sized lessons is their lasting impact. Days later, Alosia would surprise me by applying something we discussed in a brief conversation. Keeping lessons concise makes learning approachable and encourages kids to engage without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Take Things Slow and Let the Journey Unfold
At first, I felt the need to push forward at full speed, eager for her to experience success after success. But I quickly realised that the pace needed to be dictated by her, not me. Some days she spent an hour creating and perfecting her designs; other days, she only had the energy or focus for 15 minutes.
The key was to respect her rhythm. Progress doesn’t have to be linear or fast. By allowing her to move at her own pace, I ensured the experience remained enjoyable and sustainable for her.
3. Be Consistent (Even When It’s Hard)
Running multiple businesses myself, consistency was a challenge. There were times when I dropped the ball—delaying our planned activities or forgetting to follow up. Yet, I learned that consistency is critical for fostering a sense of reliability and commitment.
To address this, I began scheduling dedicated time for her entrepreneurial activities. Even if it was just 10 minutes a day, maintaining a routine showed her that her projects were important, and it reinforced the value of follow-through.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Learn From Your Kids
One of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of this journey was how much I learned from my daughter. Alosia has an innate ability to follow through on tasks. She would remind me about her orders and persistently ensure her packages were ready on time. Watching her determination taught me to better honour my own commitments.
Additionally, she often had creative ideas that I hadn’t considered. By listening to her and treating her as an equal partner in this venture, I learned the importance of collaboration and keeping an open mind. Sometimes, the best lessons come from seeing the world through your child’s eyes.
5. Always Give Them a Voice
Empowering kids means allowing them to express their thoughts, ideas, and decisions. Throughout this process, I made it a priority to give Alosia a voice. From choosing what to create to deciding how to market her products, she always had a say.
This not only boosted her confidence but also taught her the value of ownership. When children feel heard, they’re more invested in their efforts and more willing to take on challenges.
Final Thoughts
Teaching entrepreneurship to kids is a journey filled with lessons for both parents and children. It’s about more than starting a business; it’s about fostering creativity, resilience, and independence. These five lessons have not only shaped my approach but have also deepened my connection with my daughter.
If you’re considering introducing entrepreneurship to your child, remember to keep it simple, go at their pace, stay consistent, be open to learning, and always give them a voice. The rewards are immeasurable—for both of you.
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