Nurturing Kids To Become Entrepreneurs

 

Unknowingly, almost all kids have entrepreneurial skills. They must have all the same goals – to have more “baon” when they go to school. Fortunately, those who belong to wealthy families might not feel the need to do some extra work. Practically, everything is given to them – even more than what they actually need. But with children who come from the not so wealthy families, they think of different ways to have more “baon,” but some would be doing that to help their families, as well.

When I was in Grade 3, I desired to have more “baon” every day. But instead of forcing that out from my parents, I thought of ways to raise money. Instead of taking a cab, I would walk from Retiro, where Lourdes School is located, to Quezon Boulevard. From there, I would take the bus going home. From what I have saved, I bought a bag of white rabbit candy and sold it to my classmates. The teachers in school have also become my loyal customers of “walis Tambo” when my grandfather would buy them from Baguio and assemble them in Quezon City. And I also helped my grandfather sell flowers at Plaza Miranda during All Souls Day.

 It sure did save me a significant amount of money (at least, for a kid my age).

My teacher caught my attention when she knew about my “small business” inside the classroom. My classmates would pass around their orders by writing them down on a piece of paper. Just like any school would have done, my teacher told me not to do business during class hours and allowed me instead to have it during recess near the canteen.

My parents significantly influenced me since they would ask my help in selling “nilagang saba” at the corner of Tomas Morato and Scout Delgado after school. I was always glad to help them since I knew it would help meet the needs of our family.

Through my small business, I was able to roll up my savings. And this is probably how everything else started for me. The discipline of being an entrepreneur was instilled in my young mind without being pushed by anyone. It can be a whole different story if you force these things on your children without them truly understanding the need and value of money.

Teach Them, Young

We have all been raised differently, and from the teachings that we learned from our parents, we tend to carry them all to our own children. Ordinarily, parents would give everything to their children – the primary responsibility of any parent. But when we expose our children to life’s realities at an early age, they can become more independent and responsible when they grow up.

#1. Teach them the value of money.

You may have all the resources to give everything and anything that your children may need. And as a parent, you feel obligated to always provide for them. Whether you are wealthy or not, it is better to let your children realize that for them to have something that they need, they have to find ways to earn it. One of the ways that parents fail to understand is that bribing children to study more is not helping their children at all. Reward your children for something they have rightfully accomplished and let them know the real meaning behind each accomplishment. Consequently, when we give them everything, they would not feel the need to make an effort to do something to earn what they want. Lest they feel very comfortable that everything will be given to them in a snap, no matter the circumstances.

 

#2. Get kids to do chores.

The primary help you may need around the house is a massive foundation to become more than responsible individuals. Still, it also teaches them to be diligent and organized. These are skills which can become very helpful for them in the future.

 

#3. Expose them to diverse groups of people.

Let them express themselves in front of a crowd. Some kids may be too timid to be around several people, and to allow them to just stay inside the room all the time may make them grow up to be insecure. There are times when adults may be having some serious talks, which would not allow children to be around, and that is fine. But if there are instances that children can participate, let them share their thoughts, too.

 

#4. Let them discover the realities in life.

As young as your children can be, they know what is going on around them. And as a parent, all you need to do is provide more information for them to genuinely comprehend a specific situation. For example, you went to a restaurant and were given poor service. You don’t mask that incident by not telling what is truly going on. Your children should be able to determine what is right or wrong, no matter what kind of situation there is. In that way, they would know how to deal with problems similar to that. It is like preparing their minds to analyze the situation and come up with a solution.

 

#5. Let them think.

Children are naturally curious. And some parents may just shut their children off when they are bombarded with so many questions. Instead of ignoring them, always have time to answer their questions as simply as you can so they can understand well. Moreover, you may also ask them their questions differently wherein they can actually think more about it. Letting them think out of the box enables them to be more creative.

 

#6. Let them join community service.

When children are exposed to different people, especially those who need help, they will become more compassionate and nurturing. They will slowly realize just how much they can be very fortunate. And through this, they can learn how to become an instrument in extending help to others.

 

#7. Encourage them to start their own savings.

Kids have so many toys that they have all outgrown. Instead of hoarding them and letting them be enveloped with cobwebs, you may encourage your children to have a garage sale. Let them decide how much they would price each toy. But instead of giving them the money they earn from all the sold toys, teach them to set aside 50% for their individual savings and then 50% for buying a new toy.

 

These are just a few simple tips that we can teach our children. Which can be of such great value. Never force them to do, but rather, encourage them and become their inspiration.

 

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For questions and more information, you may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome.

By email: [email protected]

FB Page: Butz Bartolome

Website: https://www.butzbartolome.com