Deon and Splendor return from school every day, take a shower, and visit the family poultry farm. Their parents set up this farm to model production, and innovations as well as develop entrepreneurial skills in them. Deon was 7 years and Splendor was 5 years, saw their visit to the poultry as fun.
One day, on their usual visit they discover that the birds had laid 5 eggs😲. They were excited. Splendor then asked her mum what they could do to enable the birds to lay more eggs.
Their mother told them, consistent feeding and patience.
After they had returned home, an hour later Mrs Dami saw her daughter, Splendor heading towards the poultry. A conversation began;
Mrs Dami: Where are you going?
Splendor: I want to feed the birds.
Mrs Dami: But we just did. Moreover, we don’t need to feed in excess to avoid waste.
Splendor: We need to get more eggs in order to have more to sell. So, we need to feed the birds more.
Deon: Mum, if you are so worried about the feed. Maybe, we can start producing feeds for the birds. That way we don’t have to buy.
Mrs Dami: (Smiles), interesting, yes we can produce feeds for the birds and get more eggs for sale.
It’s interesting to know how visits to a poultry farm have spurred the kids to think critically. Also, they were able to identify a problem and proffer solutions to it.
Why Children need to develop Entrepreneurial Skills
As the world advances to technology, so is their view about the way people work. Going to an office daily is becoming less common.
Hence, exposing children to entrepreneurship is important because you don’t know what kind of job would be available when your child is grown.
The demand in the workforce is having an effect on what University education is offering.
Parents expect a lot from their children after tertiary education. But the university certificate no longer guarantees an average-class lifestyle.
Read also: Setting up Children for Success
When children are exposed to entrepreneurship, they make themselves future proof. The skills acquired can be utilized in the future for them.
Employers of labour are on the lookout for a broader range of both hard and soft skills.
Exposing your child to entrepreneurship, enables them to develop;
Problem solving skills, Critical thinking, Resilience and initiative.
Exposure to entrepreneurship can motivate teenagers and children to become interested in lifelong or independent learning.
Simple steps in modelling Entrepreneurial skills in Children
There are several ways of modelling Entrepreneurial skills in children.
Encourage Creativity
Teach your child to think creatively and come up with new ideas. Equip them with resources and materials to create and innovate.
Nurture Independence
Allow your child to make their own decisions and take risks. This starts with their independence in learning. It helps them develop their own sense of freedom and self-confidence.
Teach Problem-Solving
Teach your child to approach problems with a positive attitude and a willingness to find solutions. This is an important entrepreneurial skill that will help them succeed in any endeavour.
Develop a Strong Work Ethic
Teach your child the importance of hard work and dedication. This can be done by encouraging them to set goals and work towards achieving them.
Build Networking Skills
Great networking skills are a valuable way to model entrepreneurial skills in children. As humans we need people in our lives, Networking and social skills can be developed by building connections which positively impacts our personal and professional career. Communication skills are an essential part of networking for any entrepreneur. Encourage children to practice speaking and listening skills.This can be achieved by teaching them the importance of collaboration and teamwork.
Financial Literacy
Teach your child about basic financial concepts such as
budgeting,
saving, and
Investing.
This will help them develop a strong foundation for future financial success. Understanding the basics for income and expenses will be a good way to nurture financial literacy in your child. Parents can shop with them
Position them for Role Models
Introducing children to successful entrepreneurs and encouraging that they learn from their stories and experiences will help them develop a better understanding of what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. If you are an entrepreneur, let them learn what the business is about in bits. Allow them visit your organisations and business outlets during the holidays.