As a mom to four daughters, I think a lot about how our experiences with money and our confidence to earn & manage it begin so much earlier in life than I ever knew. I come from a legacy of generous entrepreneurs and more than anything, I want my girls to become compassionate, empowered, and socially conscious leaders as they grow up.
In a world that constantly presents new challenges and opportunities, it is crucial to equip the next generation with the skills and values necessary to navigate and shape a better future.
One powerful way to do so is by teaching kids philanthropy and business skills at a young age. By empowering children with these tools, we not only unlock their potential for personal growth but also set the stage for them to become compassionate, empowered, and socially conscious leaders as they grow up.
Here are 5 core ways that teaching kids philanthropy and business skills can have a positive impact, in these early years and for a lifetime:
1. Nurtures Empathy and Compassion:
Teaching kids philanthropy at a young age opens their eyes to the needs and challenges of others. By engaging them in acts of giving, whether through donating their time, talents, or resources, we foster empathy and compassion within their hearts. They learn to see beyond themselves, develop a sense of social responsibility, and cultivate a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
In our family, we talk openly about the privilege we have to consistently feel safe & cared for. As parents, we encourage curiosity about others and how we might be able to help, even in the smallest of ways.
2. Instills the Value of Hard Work Through Entrepreneurship:
Introducing children to business skills at a young age ignites their entrepreneurial spirit and fosters a sense of independence and self-reliance. By guiding them through the process of creating and selling products or services, they learn the value of hard work, perseverance, and creative problem-solving. These skills not only equip them for future success but also instill a sense of confidence and a belief in their ability to make a difference in the world.
So often, kids are told "no" and are given limited autonomy. Watching Ada experience the joy & pride in making a sale of one of her keychains or a keychain kit assures me that she's no only learning the value of a dollar, but to value herself.
3. Fosters Leadership and Initiative:
When children are given the opportunity to take ownership of philanthropic and business projects, they develop leadership skills and a sense of initiative. They learn to identify needs within their communities and devise creative solutions. Through this process, they gain the confidence to take charge and actively contribute to positive change, inspiring others to follow their lead.
Kids don't have the imposter syndrome that we gain as adults. They share their offer, name their price, and then confidently as for a tip.
4. Cultivates Financial Literacy:
Teaching kids about philanthropy and business provides an ideal platform to introduce them to financial literacy. They learn the basics of budgeting, managing resources, and making informed financial decisions. By understanding the value of money and the importance of giving back, they develop a responsible and balanced relationship with wealth, avoiding the pitfalls of materialism and cultivating a lifelong habit of mindful financial stewardship.
We use the "save", "spend", "support" model in building an understanding of money management and set goals for each category.
5. Creates a Legacy of Generosity:
By instilling the values of philanthropy and business skills in children, we create a lasting legacy of generosity. As they grow into adults, they will pass on these lessons to future generations, creating a ripple effect of positive change and a culture of giving. Our communities will be shaped by generations of individuals who understand the transformative power of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility.
Honest discussions about money don't always come easy for us adults, but imagine how we might change this dynamic if we begin early with our children. The confidence to generate and manage money, especially for our daughters, is key to a lifetime of stability and generosity.
Let's Raise a Generous Generation
Teaching kids philanthropy and business skills at a young age is a transformative endeavor that has the potential to shape not only the lives of individuals but also the future of our communities. By nurturing empathy, instilling values of hard work and entrepreneurship, fostering leadership and initiative, cultivating financial literacy, and creating a legacy of generosity, we empower young hearts and minds to become the catalysts for positive change.
Let's embrace this opportunity and work together to inspire a new generation of compassionate, empowered, and socially conscious leaders who will shape a better world for us all.
Here's how we're teaching this to our own kids and sharing these lessons with the world:
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