Business Ideas For Kids
84Why Business For Kids?
Imagine what life would be like if making money came as easily and naturally as riding a bike or tying your shoelaces. Imagine graduating high school with a permanent, secure, passive income already in place. You wake each the morning to find more money has appeared in your account overnight! If you want to travel, you do. If you want to paint, write, or do any other creative activity, you do. You choose your occupation based on what you love to do, not the burden of having to pay the bills. You have all the time you need to be with your family and friends, to stay in shape, and to practice your spirituality.
Most of us weren't raised that way. Most of us had to struggle to learn the basic truths about money and business. Many of us are still struggling.
But with the right knowledge and tools, we can make that life available for our children.
Business experience builds confidence, develops life skills, and encourages your child to take an interest in mathematics and written English - subjects which can otherwise seem quite pointless in the school environment.
And early business experience, in the right environment, can leave kids with a lifelong ability to make money, without any of the hard work and struggle that so many adults still endure.
Raising Entrepreneurs
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Learn how to help your kids start a business.
Find like-minded entrepreneurial parents.
Here are just some of the many ways for kids to make money:
Finding lost golf balls
Selling things on eBay
Bartering
Household help
Babysitting
Dog washing/walking/sitting
Breeding rats
Exercising agisted horses
... the only limit is the size of your imagination!
The Right Attitude Is Vital
If I had to pick one thing, and only one thing, which will set your child up for success, this is the one. With a can-do attitude your child will fill in any missing pieces for themselves, using other resources, for the rest of their lives.
We started early with this one, as soon as they started to speak. We've all heard our children complain "I can't", haven't we? And when they are little, it's often true that some tasks are beyond their capability at the time.
However, we knew that the can-do attitude was essential, and that self-talk like "I can't" is a major threat to the can-do attitude.
What we did was to get them to replace "I can't" with "I need more practice" (or sometimes "I need to get taller"!) These days, they are all teens and tweens, and we just don't even hear "I can't" any more. In fact, we sometimes get the delightfully honest "I could do that if I practiced, but it's too much of a trek and I can't be bothered ..."
The difference between "I can't" and "I choose not to" is priceless.
After running their first business for a while, our girls chose to shut it down. (The full story is told at www.cash-smart-kids.com.) They knew they could have kept making the money, but they didn't want to keep doing what it took - they were bored with it. After shutting it down, though, they didn't immediately start asking for hand-outs from their parents. They knew that their income was a matter of their own choice.
The next principle we applied for the can-do attitude was a very careful approach to doing things for the kids that they could do for themselves. We would do things that they had not yet mastered, only to the extent that they needed help, and not one tiny bit more.
It is awfully tempting, especially when you are in a hurry, to step in and do things for them, just to get them done. Kids are very good at minimising the effort they put out, so anywhere they can get someone else to do something for them, they will. And in the process, they learn that going slowly and complaining gets them off the hook - not the work habits of a successful entrepreneur!
At the same time, you need to help where it is genuinely needed. We made as many mistakes in this direction as we did in the other, I'm afraid. When your child gets a spot of help, just at the right time, they get the satisfaction of success, which is very rewarding. If they don't get help when they need it, they can feel that it's all pointless, and give up trying things that look like they are too big.
It's an art, judging just enough help and not too much, but at least we can offer as reassurance that you can make quite a few mistakes and as long as they aren't all in the same direction the kids turn out OK.
Kids in Business - News
- Young Entrepreneur Spreads Cheer, With Oprah's Blessing
At age 9, Cameron Johnson started his first business, making greeting cards and party invitations on the Compaq computer he got for Christmas. Three years later, the Virginia native was making $50,000 a year selling Beanie Babies online from his parents' garage. - 3 years ago
- Student entrepreneur wins $40,000 national scholarship
Manitowoc Lutheran High School senior Jake Lindemann will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee next year at the expense of the McKelvey Foundation. - 3 years ago
- Lemonade Brigade wants to help raise money for local charities
The Lemonade Brigade is the brainchild of Mary Brent, 12, and Beverly Brown, 9, two sisters who have devised a way to help charities using lemonade this summer. - 3 years ago
- Young Entrepreneurs Could Win $10,000
The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards will provide ambitious and creative Australian students a chance to test their business savvy. - 3 years ago
- Students, teacher earn national entrepreneur awards
DaMarra Underwood, 15, of Sheraden, a student at Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, and Ben Bergel, 17, of White Oak, a senior at McKeesport Area High School, have been selected as recipients of the 2008 Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, spons … - 3 years ago
Business Ideas From Young Entrepreneurs
- Young Entrepreneur - Alexa Kitchen
Alexa Kitchen became the world's youngest professional cartoonist at the age of five. Alexa Kitchen, age 8, promoting her book Drawing Comics Is Easy (Except When It's Hard), Alexa Kitchen cartoons, Alexa Kitchen photos. - 3 years ago
- Young Entrepreneur - Declan Galbraith
Traditional ways for kids to make money have focused on household chores, but busking led to multi-million pound recording career for Declan Galbraith. - 3 years ago
- Young Entrepreneurs - Rachael Ford
Rachael Ford (right) with her twin sister, Erin. Hi, my name is Rachael Ford, and I am a Cash-Smart Kid! I am 12 years old and live in Sydney, Australia, and this is the story of me and my businesses. Rachael Ford, "That Internet Girl", started... - 3 years ago
- Young Entrepreneurs - Aaron Kirkhouse And Alex Darlington
Aaron Kirkhouse and Alex Darlington set up Mint Gigs when they were both sixteen, using time between classes to organise gigs at a local venue. In 2007, when they were both nineteen, they secured the pop band... - 3 years ago
- Young Entrepreneurs Of Asia
Asia has been the world's economic powerhouse in recent years, driven by strong growth in China and India. Recently, a new group of start-ups have wowed the region. This new generation of young entrpreneurs is globally aware, extremely Internet savvy, and willing to work hard and take considerable financial risk in their teens and twenties. - 3 years ago
- Young Entrepreneurs - Divyank Turakhia
Divyank Turakhia, of Mumbai (Bombay), India, started internet consulting at the age of 14, and started his domain registration and site-building company two years later with $600 borrowed from his parents. That original business, Skenzo, is now... - 3 years ago
- Young Entrepreneurs - Romero Bryan
British designer Romero Bryan started designing clothes at the age of thirteen. In 2003 he was listed number 5 on the Bank of Scotland Rich List 2020, with the prediction that he would be worth 30 million pounds by then. - 3 years ago
- Young Entrepreneurs - Adam Hildreth
Adam Hildreth started his first business, Dubit, in 1999 at the age of fourteen. Now he makes software to catch online pedophiles. Online abusers target the vulnerable and naive, and tap into any insecurity the child might have. - 3 years ago
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Glad you liked it!
I think that business knowledge is a form of "future-proofing". If you have a bit of entrepreneurial experience, you can make your own opportunities in any economic climate.
With things going south again in the general economy, now more than ever we need to be future-proofing our kids with good old self-reliant business attitudes.
It's good to teach children to value money and how to use it.
Oh, absolutely, crazycat, I couldn't agree with you more.
your article was inspirational to me.
Wonderful ideas! Heck, these aren't just for kids, either. "The difference between 'I can't' and 'I choose not to' is priceless." This concept is for everyone, too. I'm still following up on your links but will be back later to read this hub again, I have bookmarked this baby, and intend to read this hub every day for the next week just to remind myself to replace my words like you've suggested parents do with their children. What a small action to produce significant changes. Not just for kids. Thank you for writing this hub!
You're right - these ideas are for everyone! I'm so glad this has moticated you to take definite action - well done!
i have been looking for help everywhere i know i want to ear money by doing something with animals like breedong but i dont know what type of animal i need help!
Angela, I suggest you talk to your Mom and see what she would be willing to have you doing at home.
my sister and i have a great idea for a business we make many recipies for cookies and some are just AMAZING everybody loves them! do you think its a good idea to sell our cookies and recipies?
Absolutely, Lex! That's how Mrs Fields started ...
Read these two Hubs:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Young-Entrepreneur---Louis
http://hubpages.com/hub/Young-Entrepreneurs---Fras
Louis did what you are talking about in hand-made chocolates, and Fraser did it with jam.
Note that Fraser already had experience selling something else door-to-door, and if you haven't done that before, you will need to be prepared for a bit of a learning experience. Make sure your parents know what you are doing, and that they are sure you are safe doing it.
And consider selling the recipes at least on the internet.
I am writing a book about kids starting businesses at the moment, so keep me posted on your progress, and you just might get a mention as a case study!
Another good hub from you, similar to your 'jobs for kids' hub. It provided a lot of good quality links as well.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sad to say, parenting is hard work...esp. for overworked parents. Nice job!
It is incredibly hard, espacially isolated as parents are these days. I am sure it was easier when there was a village to help raise the child ...
Absolutely important nowadays to teach them about money and earning. Well done.
EXCELLENT hub idea...
Thanks! It's a bit of a hobby-horse of mine - glad to know others feel the same way!
who breads rats when their bored! Not kids! Thats stupid!
My kids did, Morgan - but then, we all like rats.
its not very helpful:(
What would be helpful, suzy? PR: wait... I: wait... L: wait... LD: wait... I: wait...wait... C: wait... SD: wait...
This is a very good hub from a parents point of view. Too many kids today want parents to hand them money constantly. In todays world, they need to learn at a young age that money does not come without effort to earn it.
Great Hub! Carol
Thanks, Carol!
This is the best thing Ive ever read on this topic ! well done. Last year I did a hub on children learning to save money involving particpation in the family budget and learning the value of money and how sometimes it can be so difficult to both earn and hang onto. Again very well done !
Thanks Barry, glad you liked it! Parents definitely need to be aware of this, or kids can become adults without a clue about how money works.
How about you leave kids alone to be kids, or would that be too conservative for you?
I don't see that as conservative at all, Sickfingers. In fact it sounds quite liberal to me. Kids are entitled to make their own choices about which interests to pursue, without having their choices made for them by adults, however well-meaning those adults might be.
Heyyy, How do you do?? Great Lens........!!
inspirepub is a ROBOT!!!!!!!!
Oh, I wish, kid. Then I wouldn't have to sleep, shower, or do my hair. Think of all the time I would save ... :)
cool
Some of the ideas didn't help, but then you mentioned selling stuff door-to-door! :)
I live in a block of flats so that = lots of money!!!!! :D
oh wow
Great hub. Teaching children about entrepreneurship will have a positive impact on their futures.
who breed rats?
look i'm a kid this is the worst idea in the history of ideas i'm looking for how to make money not how to expliam it
Like it!
why don't you guys just leave her alone she is just trying to help
Awesome article, I am a mother of a 10. Year old that's been moving in every way to create her own business since the age of 8, but as a single parent it is hard to support it, 100%, it requires extra time! But still, I am willing to help ! It's just amazing to know how kids have this amazing desire for success !!!
I liked your article a lot, but I wanted to say that kids shouldn't be breeding any animal, let alone one that easily reproduces. And, I don't think animals should be bred for money, but for the sake of new generations and less endangerment/extinction, etc.
Kids can do a lot of things that won't harm anything, and get a lot of money out of it.
i just read all this, so my friemnd and I are going to try to start a little stand at first and then work our way up. THNX!!
This is not helpful at all! you have got to work on your ways to help
Breed Rats? Seriously?
So can i just go on the side of the road and sell bakery items?
These are really good ideas
Seriously people why do even read this if all's your going to do is complain. These are amazing ideas, no one cares about your negativity. If you don't like them don't try them. Breeding is amazing, and an educational experience!
not helpful i wanted a list of business ideas
this is cool.
What else can kids breed
Not that helpful. Needs more actual ideas of what things u could actually do in business. Maybe like a quiz or something to fill out and see the results of what thing u could do at the end.
1-10: probably like 4-5
Not that helpful. Needs more actual ideas of what things u could actually do in business. Maybe like a quiz or something to fill out and see the results of what thing u could do at the end.
1-10: probably like 4-5
What buisiness do the web. Recommend?
these are all really good ideas, but how what happens on the buisness/technical side of things. for example: creating websites, getting your ideas to major company, making sure the money gets into your account and how will you get your supplies?
Please may someone answer all of these questions for me as quick as you can.
I breed rats!ALOT! i even watch them!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX!!!
This site helped me alot with my research. I'm finding all the different ways to make money. I might even put them on my blog (http:/www.twokings.doodlekit.com). People need to learn how to handle money young so they arent stupid with when they are older. So thanks for putting this info on the web.
Well thiss is crap. Becausee im a kid and i need moneyy, Cant babysitt (dont live near little kids)
Cant landscape(have a service that does it)
Cant walk dogs( dont live near anyone that has dogs.
And i cant sell anything cauze i live in the middle of NOWHERE!
And who the crapp breeds ratts?!?
dummy. . .
i need idea's for my school . we are having a " business day " where kids bring in and sell products or services like gum, candy, popcorn, donuts, lemonade, drawings, (ect.) but the whole thing just seams gay ! almost all of them are selling snacks/food i need a better idea ! and who wants to but a crayola colored damn picture from kids who cant even draw ! not me !? i got an idea from a family member .... charm bracelets, keychains, you know ! but guys aren't into that stuff and a majority of my class is boys ...-___- and i don't want to do a service cause i don't need my extra time being taken up by doing some other kids stuff.. such as locker clean outs, homework, binder clean. we get paid weekly for writing things in our planner, not speaking out and acting appropriate ... and all that jazz.. so i need the ideas ! preferably before tuesday!
i need more ideas
not very helpful needs more ideas
This sucks, breeding rats, come on, if i am like most kids your parents will not let you do half these jobs, horrible
That is inspiring thnx for the ideas!
I am interested in creating cooking classes for kids 7-13 but I dont know where to begin, will you help me?
this helps me a lot who ever made it it help a lot thank you and whoever put sex im going to put you in jail i a police officer
Just think about this. What if your children were able to get paid from people drinking their coffee, tea or hot chocolate?
Hovalis 3 years ago
This is a great hub! Getting money sense early on in life, and understanding the value of it and how to make it gives a kid an excellent start in life. I enjoyed reading this, thanks.