Most adults will have preconceived expectations of a child’s capabilities. This is often based on the child’s age. A five year old is capable of doing this and a nine year old is capable of doing that. Parents and teachers can sometimes let their personal fears, experiences and low self expectations hold their children and students back. This can cause us to loose sight of the child’s potential.
Children are fearless. They are very inquisitive with a thirst for knowledge and new and exciting things. From the time they are born until around seven years old, they are like little super computers, processing everything they encounter.
When we think of children running a business most people will picture a child serving up little cups of homemade lemonade or selling odds and ends at a school fair.
Although these are examples of viable and credible businesses, a child’s potential can far exceed just these types of business ventures.
Don’t hold back
My wife and I are not afraid to push the boundaries in regards to our children’s learning. We found that when introduced at a young age to concepts and ideas, only thought to be exclusive to university students or adults in a particular industry, they not only get a full understanding, but would excel.
As long as it is introduced in a simple and fun way and especially if they have an interest in the subject. When all these elements are in place, you would be amazed what they can achieve.
In my book Round & Round I start by introducing the character Ade, who is the owner of a community bank and Zane who runs a lemonade business. With the power of imagery and positive representation, I want children to be able to look at the characters and think “I’m just like her or him, I can do that too”!
Many of our children may have the false belief that they could never own their own bank or credit union one day. This can be turned around by simply showing them, that they can. If they are able to see it and see themselves doing it, it now becomes a possibility.
Conclusion
A child’s ability is only limited to their imagination. If they want to develop the next generation in robotics, buy them a robot kit. If their passion is animals, take them to a farm. If they are old enough they could sign up for voluntary work, to get experience and valuable knowledge in that industry. Plant that positive seed or thought, nurture the idea and watch it grow to be something much bigger than you would have imagined.
Note:
The article image is of Mikaila Ulmer who became a millionaire. At the tenter age of 11 she created a lemonade drink company called “Me and the Bees Lemonade”.
