Dear friend,
In this day and age, where "job security" is a myth and politics, policies, pandemics, power failures and who-knows-what disrupt the economy and perpetuate the high rate of unemployment in South Africa, it's a good idea to encourage your children to become their own job creators.
You don't have to have a ten-step business plan worked out for them, you can simply help them to develop the skills and character that they need to become entrepreneurs.
1. Encourage your children in their passions and interests – validate them even if you cannot see the immediate benefit or product.
2. Expose them to and wherever possible, involve them in activities related to planning, budgeting and shopping for food.
3. Pay them pocket money relevant to their age and moral understanding and use it to teach them money management skills.
4. Train them to do their chores correctly so that they will be able to do even the worst jobs around the home (like cleaning up after dogs ☺) This develops humility and the willingness to serve others.
5. Get them to do ad hoc jobs around the home, ensure the work is done correctly. This develops character traits which are essential for success in life - hard work, diligence, integrity and respect.
6. Spend time talking to your children about their futures and find options for them where they can work within their passions.
7. Allow them to make a few bad choices with how they spend the money they have earned. Discuss the error gently after they realise their mistake and then discuss better money management.
8. Get them to take part in team work situations within the family and without. Let them problem-solve in a variety of situations. Give your children opportunities to practice the leadership skills that they need to succeed in business.
9. Teach your children to manage their time correctly. Train them that the time they use for each subject or task is just for that subject or task.
10. Keep the channels of communication open, lecture less, and live alongside them more!
For more tips about raising entrepreneurship, read the article on our website: Raising Entrepreneurs
