Here’s how to guide them while letting them lead:
1. 🎧 Listen First
Before offering advice, ask questions:
Before offering advice, ask questions:
- “What inspired this idea?”
- “What do you want to achieve?”
- “How do you imagine it working?”
2. 🛠 Offer Tools, Not Solutions
Instead of solving problems for them, give them tools to solve problems themselves.
💡 Example: If they want to sell handmade bookmarks, help them explore materials, pricing, and packaging - but let them choose.
Instead of solving problems for them, give them tools to solve problems themselves.
- Help them create a simple budget.
- Show them how to research competitors.
- Teach them how to write a short pitch or email.
💡 Example: If they want to sell handmade bookmarks, help them explore materials, pricing, and packaging - but let them choose.
3. 🧭 Encourage Planning
Guide them to set goals and timelines. Ask:
Guide them to set goals and timelines. Ask:
- “What’s your first step?”
- “How will you know it’s working?”
- “What will you do if something doesn’t go as planned?”
4. 💬 Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results
Whether they sell 100 items or none, praise their initiative, creativity, and learning. Every attempt is progress.
🎯 Tip: Create a “business journal” together where they reflect on what they tried, what worked, and what they’d change.
Whether they sell 100 items or none, praise their initiative, creativity, and learning. Every attempt is progress.
🎯 Tip: Create a “business journal” together where they reflect on what they tried, what worked, and what they’d change.
5. 🧡 Be Their Cheerleader, Not Their Manager
Let them make decisions - even if they’re imperfect. Mistakes are part of growth. Your role is to encourage, not control.
💡 Real story: One parent helped their 11-year-old start a dog-walking service. Instead of managing the schedule, they helped create flyers and offered feedback. The child learned responsibility, communication, and time management - all through doing.
Supporting your child’s first business isn’t about perfection - it’s about empowerment. With your guidance, they’ll learn to trust their ideas, face challenges, and believe in their ability to make a difference.
Let them make decisions - even if they’re imperfect. Mistakes are part of growth. Your role is to encourage, not control.
💡 Real story: One parent helped their 11-year-old start a dog-walking service. Instead of managing the schedule, they helped create flyers and offered feedback. The child learned responsibility, communication, and time management - all through doing.
Supporting your child’s first business isn’t about perfection - it’s about empowerment. With your guidance, they’ll learn to trust their ideas, face challenges, and believe in their ability to make a difference.
