Raising Entrepreneurial Kids

[GlobalWealth]

This is a Tedx video from a friend of mine. Every parent and every child should watch this. Great job Cameron.

Cameron Herold: Let's raise kids to be entrepreneurs | Video on TED.com

 

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[Forbes]

thanks for sharing. When I have children I'd really like them to be business aware. I have to break lots of habits my own parents instilled on me

 

[emorgan]

I was only able to watch half the video- but I appreciate the idea!

I think one of the best ways to teach kids is by example. Mine have watched me talk about, read about, and be active in building businesses since they were babies. Now, they talk about their own businesses- it's natural for them, because it's always been around and encouraged!

 

[w4rl0rdx]

That video really speaks to me... I wonder how many other people can relate.

 

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[LagunaLauren]

I definitely instill the sense of entrepreneurial spirit in my young daughters. In my neighborhood, when other 9-year olds are being given ferrari golf carts and rolexes, it's even more important for me to set examples of real value. My kids get more than enough gifts, but sometimes when they want something more and it's not a special occasion, we use it as an exercise to teach them responsibility. We ask what they are willing to do to get that toy. Usually it means I end up with a clean car or a swept kitchen floor!

My nine-year old daughter wanted to design surf clothes, so we created a company and made her CEO. We're buying t-shirts wholesale and having them imprinted. She has her own business cards, etc. This was meant to be a lesson to encourage her to go for what she wants and see it through. She has so much fun and pride with it. Her friends at school didn't believe she has her own company until she produced her business cards and t-shirts.

She's also the only 9-year old I know of who owns her own condo in a high-end Dallas suburb. (Her 6-year old sister has one in the same complex..A great tool to teach them the business!).

She also insisted that I donate to the ASPCA. I agreed but asked what she would be willing to do to help the animals. She immediately came up with the idea of starting a dog-walking business in the neighborhood! She designed flyers that we put up in the country club. Every dollar she earns she gives to the ASPCA. (I couldn't have come up with a better idea myself!!)

 

[andviv]

My kids love to play Wii. Problem is, each game is $50 and I refuse to buy them new ones (yup, me little bastard, I know). So I told them they have to raise their own money to do so.

Lo and behold... lemonade stands still are the best way to raise money for kids 10 and under, so it seems (although it seems like Laguna's kid is raising more than that).

We have discussed this same topic a few times here already... and the topic never gets old.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[andviv]

here is her TODO list....

 

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[Russ H]

Hey Andres,

Can I give your kid rep speed? That's awesome! :banana:

-Russ H.

 

[x9vjzs098u123rnl]

hahaha that looks like MY to-do list!

and LagunaLauren, that's crazy impressive. Sounds like running a "real" business while keeping things light, fun, and more about the business then the money sounds like the best idea.

Those are all some very inspiring stories.

 

[andviv]

Hey Andres,

Can I give your kid rep speed? That's awesome! :banana:

-Russ H.

Thanks Russ. Yeah, I think it is awesome too (she came up with it herself). Problem now is, how do we continue channeling this? What I like about this video was the specifics he proposed... so I will watch it a few more time until I get more ideas and put together a plan to make those things happen.

Thanks again.

 

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[LagunaLauren]

Thanks Russ. Yeah, I think it is awesome too (she came up with it herself). Problem now is, how do we continue channeling this? What I like about this video was the specifics he proposed... so I will watch it a few more time until I get more ideas and put together a plan to make those things happen.

Thanks again.

I find that if I ask my kids' a question about how they think they can do something, they usually have great solutions themselves. (like the dog-walking for ASPCA. I didn't even think of that!). I try to pay attention to things they're interested in and figure out how to make it a fun lesson for them.

As a side note, my 6-year old started babbling about her mortgages last night! LOL! Didn't think she was even paying attention to this stuff. Then she said "I pay $10 and they pay me $1,000". not entirely correct, but she has the right idea!

 

[Russ H]

Great stuff.

We're already starting w/our 3-year old (she'll be 4 in a few months).

I've been trying to instill a positive, competitive spirit in her.

For example:

Used to be impossible to get her dressed for daycare. She just was s . . . .o s.......l.......o........w.......

So one day, I had an idea: I said "I'm gonna beat you!" (getting dressed).

Wow, found out that day she could dress herself-- and FAST! :banana:

This worked for a few months, until one day, she said, "No, Daddy, I'm not PLAYING THAT GAME!"

(there is a killjoy teacher at her daycare-- now gone, thankfully-- that I'm sure she learned this response from).

I was stumped.

So the next day, when I said "I'm gonna beat you!"

And she said, "No Daddy, I'm not playing that game!"

I responded with: "Well, KT, Daddy IS playing. And I'm gonna beat you."

And I did. She was NOT happy.

So on the way to school, I explained that whenever there was a contest, she could choose not to play the game-- but the contest STILL HAPPENED.

And others STILL WON-- even if she wasn't playing.

Kinda like life.

You can choose to be in the game, or not.

But if you choose to sit on the sidelines, others will still play.

And WIN. :banana:

-Russ H.

 

[Russ H]

PS As a result of our little discussion, she decided she would MUCH rather play to WIN, than sit out on the sidelines.

 

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