Tuesday, February 05, 2008 Cayading: Start them young! By Trinidad Cayading D' Biz News
DO YOU believe that most successful entrepreneurs were children who did things for themselves, fed themselves, dressed themselves, or rather we call them "self supporting kids" and chose their own friends, among others?
I believe that if we were to create a strong culture of entrepreneurship in the country, we have to start by inculcating entrepreneurial values in the young. And being fully aware that entrepreneurship is just a recent phenomenon among Filipinos, mostly democratic, tolerant parents can start the long process. Actually, there have been a number of successful small business owners who let their children experience the business by having them mind the store, give change, mingle with customers, or make bank deposits.
Even non-entrepreneurial parents can raise enterprising kids. This column wants to share with you some tips to help you raise children who will become successful entrepreneurs some day:
* Develop a family atmosphere of self-reliance and freedom. Early in life, children must be given a lot of independence with not much restriction on their freedom. Some parents equate their love to protect so they pick up after them. Most successful entrepreneurs were children who did things for themselves, fed themselves, dressed themselves, chose their own friends, etc....
* Discard the old belief that children must be seen, but not heard. In the presence of visitors, children must be allowed to participate in discussions. In family matters, they must be given the chance to contribute their two cents' worth before a decision that affects the family is made. This will develop their self-confidence.
* As young as they are, show them the value of hard work. Aside from being role models to their children, parents should also teach children some skills using their hands like crocheting, sewing, or baking. Running errands also form part of the children's daily activities.
* Expose them to business. Parents with no business of their own can ask friends to accept their teenagers as apprentices. Now some big companies offer summer programs for their employees' children and given them big allowances for their effort.
Well, parents out there, it is not yet late for you to train your kids to be a successful entrepreneur someday. NOW is the right time to START THEM YOUNG! Enroll them to kiddies' cooking, arts and crafts summer classes. Let them explore and experiment new things for the development of their skills and talents.
