As a parent and experienced professional, you should understand the importance of bestowing the entrepreneurial spirit onto your child - a quality that is increasingly important as startups and freelancers are sprouting all over the place (Goodman, 2012). With a mixture of these skills and lessons, your child is more likely to become tomorrow’s entrepreneur:
Problem solving. When issues arise, navigate your child through the resolution process. Ask questions (brainstorming) to identify the problem. Then, present possible solutions. Ask your child what would be the best option based on the pros and cons. This lesson is perfect for claims of being “bored”. He or she must take initiative, find an activity, or create one.
Try, try again. Criticism, or failure, is a learning opportunity. Instead of focusing on a loss, turn it into a chance to revise the plan. What can be done differently? Complement and make suggestions. Encourage your child to become a better version of themselves, with regular movements toward self-improvement.
How to think, not what to think. The greatest form of independence is the ability to think for yourself. Instead of telling your kid what to think, give them the confidence that they can make their own decisions. At early stages, ask them to choose between two dinner options.
Mastermind. For risky situations, like doing homework, help them first. Read or explain directions, and assist with the first few problems. Then set goals to transition them toward independence. Let your child solve the rest on their own. Risk and uncertainty are apart of entrepreneurship. You’re challenging them to take the risk of completing their own work. Uncertainty comes from not knowing if they'll provide the correct answers. You, of course, check the results. Depending on the results, refer to ‘try, try again’.
Challenge the status quo. We were children once, and now parents. “Following the rules” are golden in households and schools. However, this stifles entrepreneurial growth. Teach your kids to change the norm, and articulate their rationale (within legal boundaries). Parents should lead by addressing areas that need to change (wardrobe, career, activities), explain why it should change, and project what difference it will make.
Diversity. Your child should have an “eclectic” group of friends, interests, academic, athletic, and work experiences. This exposes them to different needs, solutions, and strengthens social skills.
Young Money. Chores/allowance are great. Children learn, outside of school, that math is apart of everyday life. You tend to value what you work and paid for yourself. Help them monitor their spending habits and savings. If they want a “big ticket item”, that’s another lesson: business planning. They propose how much money is needed, for what, and the outcome (less idle time, more study time, etc). Shark Tank at home lol.
As seen on applications, these tips are often listed as “self-motivated”, “detail-oriented”, “strategic”, “creative”, "critical thinking", or “leadership” (different than management) skills. These skills enable them to fulfill corporate demand or establish an organization on their own terms.
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