Chips Off the Family Block

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I enjoy looking at family pictures. The resemblance between my mom, her mom, me, and my daughter is wonderful. We’re all “mini-me’s” of the previous generation, and that suits me fine because I’m proud of all our family.

Not this kind of Mini Me

Of course the resemblances between us is more than pretty photos, because we don’t just look the same, but have mannerisms that are so connected that complete strangers have actually stopped us in the stores to comment how much we’re chips off the family block.

And even though my daughter’s dad has long since gone, I see in my daughter his same colorful, highly creative, and devilishly smart personality that couldn’t possibly have learned from him before his death, because he’s been away from us since she was a mere 2 years old.

An entrepreneurial child’s personality runs family deep. You may deny your child’s resemblance to yourself like my dear friend that we’ll call “Maude,” but even when I listen to the stories of her life you can see the connecting thread of behaviors from her dad to her and now to her son- even if she doesn’t think it’s true (or want to believe it) about herself.

I’ve also found myself being like Maude and have sat wondering where on earth had my daughter learned to do that?!

However, I also know that to understand my daughter better and to be a smart parent, I must accept the possibility that there may be similarities between her behavior, this family, and myself.

Tip: Think back to your childhood and the parenting that worked best in your own life, and use this insight to help your high-energy child understand, who they are, who they can be, and how to find their true potential.

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Direct the Energy

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Any parent who has raised or is currently raising a high-energy, ADD, or ADHD diagnosed child knows how difficult getting them to focus is. Kids are held back in school, and end up graduating later and suffering emotionally, as well as other consequences.

In many cases, children diagnosed with ADD have an IQ of 120, placing them in the top 9 percent of their age group on basic intelligence. These kids can focus for hours at a time on drawing, video games, sports, or other activities, and struggle with school. Many children say they are able to focus because they are interested, whereas classes or other activities are daunting.

So how do you teach high energy, ADD, and ADHD children about something as dull as business?

Make it fun. 

Have your kids exert their energy through a business. If your son or daughter loves dogs, encourage them to start a dog-walking business. If they prefer crafts, help them set up an account on Etsy where they can sell their creations.

Some children end up being diagnosed as ADD or ADHD because of their high work ethic. They are excited about the possibility of achieving something, and they want to get started. Don’t stunt them or belittle them by discouraging their energy. In the end, it could only end up hurting them.

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School, Soccer, and Dog-Walking

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I’m going to state the obvious: Parenting is never easy.

As a parent, you are in charge of this entire other life. You have to transition to thinking about me to thinking about your child, and all of these tiny little decisions. You must consider the health of this tiny person- what should he or she eat? What is he or she allergic to? Are they getting the right nutrients? What if he or she gets an injury? Then there’s your child’s happiness. Does he or she have friends? Is he or she well-adjusted? Does he or she like sports? And then, of course, there are finances. You are providing food, clothing, and shelter, not to mention ballet and soccer, education, and camps. And you do all of this in the hopes that he or she will become a capable adult.

But there are aspects that are often forgotten. Parenting is almost like a business. While almost everything is unpredictable, there are certain things you can do to make sure your child is a success. Parenting is a job, and it is more than a full-time job.

Teaching your kids about business, money management, and finances in general can never go wrong.

If your kids understand the importance of finances and the value and hard work that goes into a dollar, they are going to appreciate it more. They can learn this through their own small businesses, such as dog-walking, babysitting, or a simple lemonade stand. Instead of giving your kids a base allowance amount each week, consider paying them based on what work they do. Fifty cents for making his or her bed, $2.00 for cleaning a room, etc.

Don’t be afraid to get involved with your kids. Just because they want to start walking dogs doesn’t mean they know exactly how to do it. Help them plan it out- not only will it help them become more successful, but it gives you a great teaching and bonding opportunity. Help them make fliers and post them around town; research how much others are charging for dog-walking; help them set up a savings account; figure out a good schedule.

Encouraging your children will help them become confident and money-savvy adults. You may end up running successful businesses with them in the future!

 

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“If you can dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney

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Walt Disney has inspired generations of parents and children since the early 1900s. With his colorful characters and amazing ability to bring out the child in all of us, Disney never failed to encourage children to be the best they can be.

Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebackporchshoppe/3761131681/

Encouraging children is always imporant. Should a child come up to his parents, or any adult for that matter, with an exciting idea, the adult’s duty is to express interest. This keeps children motivated and happy.

Don’t believe me? When these two adorable girls were encouraged to keep singing, they became international sensations thanks to their parents, and of course Ellen DeGeneres.

The problem with encouraging children is understanding, really knowing, when those moments of inspiration and intelligence strike them. It could be as simple as your toddler running up to you and exclaiming that he wanted to start a lemonade stand. Other times it will be more subtle.

For Mother’s Day one year, my daughter, who was seven at the time, wanted to make me a big breakfast. However, she knew that being seven was a major hinderance. Unbeknownst to me, at our weekly Scout’s meeting she wrangled one of the leaders to come over and help her. Although it would have been easier (and probably really messy) for her to pour milk into a cereal bowl for me, this was not enough for her. She had drive, and she knew she wanted to get from point A to point B, even if she would need a lift along the way.

Not only does encouraging your child keep them positive, but it also teaches them about the importance of money management at a young age. If they know from the beginning how money doesn’t just appear, they will appreciate every cent so much more.

 

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Grand Wisdoms From A Girl Who Grew Up Running A Company: Short stories about nurturing the next generation of great business leaders

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“There’s Nothing Worse Than Being A Bad Parent”

Except FOR being a bad parent to an entrepreneurial Child.

The first thing you need to do is become aware of what really works and what doesn’t if you are one of those parents who’s not sure how to nurture their child’s natural genius, but do know that the skillful parenting of your unique, highly energized, and colorful biz-kid will be well worth the rewards.

BizBee’s philosophy is simple: that the craziness of the BizBee’s world be (1) the perfect place where parents can learn how to effectively cope with their child’s tenacious spirit and (2) be a haven for the enterprising youth, where they can find friendships with people who think like they do, learn how to build a successful business from scratch, and even start some joint venture partnerships with other colorful kids who also have a deeply entrenched entrepreneurial spirit.

This is a marvelous, inspiring book of humorous short stories and perceptive suggestions by a girl who’s been creating business ventures since she was 8 years old.

We guarantee that through the amusing hoopla of the girl and her friends you’ll discover ways to fine-tune your child’s genius and long before you’re able to put this book down, you’ll be teaching your biz-kids about the coolness of taking charge of their very own happiness.

Do you have an entrepreneurial child? Use the checklist at the beginning of this book to find out.

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