As parents, we want to do everything we can to give our kids the best chance of success. We want them to value hard work, creativity, and teamwork, and we want them to know that, above all that, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Some practical skills like money and time management would also be helpful, either. Fortunately, a child can learn all those things if they start a small business.
This isn’t to say that we should have our kids abandon a childhood of fun and whimsy. On the contrary, encouraging kids to start a mini business can be fun and educational. Here are some of the best business ideas for children to try.
Dog Walker
Dog walking is perfect for animal-loving kids, especially if they can’t have their own furry friends. This job teaches kids how to react well under pressure and make quick decisions. It also helps them to understand the weight of caring for another living thing. If your child is interested in moving on to babysitting one day, taking care of a dog is a good first step.
Car Wash
For kids who love working with their hands, car washes are a fun and easy way to mix outdoor time with good, clean fun. It’s also the perfect opportunity to teach kids car care basics. If you teach kids the common mistakes people make when washing their cars, chances are your child won’t make those same blunders when they have their ride. They’ll also think twice about making a mess in your own family’s car.
Lawn Care
There is a reason mowing lawns and shoveling driveways are some of the more popular first business ideas for kids. Even though these tasks are hard work, they’re simple to do, and there is almost always a demand for these chores. Lawn care teaches kids to be methodical and to see the big picture. It also teaches them the value of these jobs, so they won’t become adults who look down on people who make a living doing manual labor.
Tutor
The best way to know you understand a subject is to teach it to someone else. For students who have classes they love in school, tutoring is a great way to solidify their knowledge. Not only that, but it teaches kids to have empathy and patience with others. Impatient tutors simply don’t succeed at helping students, and your children will learn this if they choose this route.
Childhood is the perfect time for kids to explore their interests and discover their abilities, and starting a small business is a great way to do just that. With your support, there is no telling how far your children’s ideas and efforts will take them.
