Parents, you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Or just as likely, we’ve got questions and you’ve got answers.

Challenge: Open Discussion

My kid runs a business

0
Vote up!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email this article

Today, there are more children than ever starting and running successful businesses. You would think, “How can a child possibly have the means or even the intelligence to start a business?” Well, just because a child is a child, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a brain and they don’t see the world that’s around them. Children are very creative, and they can take any idea and turn that into a business. But of course, the only way this could work is if they had supportive and nurturing parents behind them. Most child-owned businesses have that one thing in common, supportive parents. And luckily for my child, I am one of those parents. When my daughter was 13, she told me that she wanted to start selling her art and graphic designs, and that she wanted to get commissioned jobs as well. Of course, I could have told her that she was too young to be working a business, but the kid was extremely talented and willing to work. So why would I stand in the way of that? I supported her decision, and we got into business. I would like to help other parents who have ambitious kids. So, here’s how I encouraged my daughter’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Listen and Encourage

Adults have been notoriously known for ignoring their kids every time the kid says something that holds no interest to you. It’s important to know that your kids are human too, and something that may not mean much to you could mean the world to them. Listen to your child’s opinion on things, their feelings, and their ideas. Constantly getting shut down every time they open their mouth will break a child’s spirit.

When she first told me about wanting to start her business, I felt very proud that she had sat and thought about what she wanted to do with her life, and then was ready to share her idea with me. So, I told her I was onboard with whatever she wanted to do. I let her lead the way and set things up the way she thought was best for herself.

Have fun

Even if your child turns out to be a marvelous, successful business owner, it’s important to remember that she’s just a child, who still deserves to have a childhood. So, whenever my daughter would complete a project or land something big, I would encourage her to celebrate her accomplishments and go out to have fun. As the good old saying goes: Work Hard, Play Hard.

Story via ResultsInspired.com - Solo Ads

This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.