When my sons were little and we were bored one rainy Saturday, I decided to give them a small business lesson.
We went into their bedrooms and they each picked out a few toys they no longer used and were willing to sell. Then we clicked on eBay, researched similar toys, set the price and listed their items. Within a few days, they each earned around $25.
A few things happened:
1. My sons learned a bit about researching competitors
2. They gave their old toys new life
3. We spent quality time together
Other entrepreneurs have taken this one step further and instead of a one-time business lesson, they’re giving their kids a regular business education by including them in their businesses. It’s a win/win situation for the parents and their kids, especially for these four businesses.
Business: Stork Gifts — personalized children’s gifts sold online
Age of kids: Three daughters, 15, 12 and 9 years old
Kids’ responsibilities: The 15-year-old enters shipping information, occasionally makes personalized books for the company, attends fundraising boutiques and works at the company booth. The 12-year-old and 9-year-old sort and organize.
The benefits: According to owner Melissa Chelist, “Working in the family business has taught my kids many business and customer service skills. The girls participate in conversations about business happenings and decisions. They’ve learned responsibility, especially that the shipping needs to get done even when none of my kids feels like doing it. They also see how problems are solved.”
Business: Linaloos Designs — creating accessories from recycled vintage wool and cashmere sweaters
Age of kids: Twin boys,8 years old, and a daughter, age 4
Kids’ responsibilities: Sort sweaters or fetch items for their mom. One of her twins helps her punch out the paper tags that attach to the designs.
The benefits: According to owner Jennifer Malone, “One of the twins will sit and punch and chat with me about school and Pokemon cards and anything else that crosses his mind. I am guilty of stockpiling far more tags than I probably could ever need, just to have him close and talking!”
Business: Media Vision Group — a print on demand book publishing company
Age of kids: 14-year-old daughter
Kids’ responsibilities: Edit books for authors (she has already published two novels, both available on Amazon.com)
The benefits: According to owner Brent Farley, “My daughter is a great sounding board when it comes to marketing ideas and is the reason I decided to jump into the publishing industry. Our relationship plays a dual role. When she is my employee, I treat her like an employee. She has due dates and expectations because she is paid. I may even expect more out of her because she is my daughter. But when work is done, she is my little girl.”
Business: ize-T — produce t-shirts for kids, by kids, to help kids
Age of kids: 12, 9 and 5
Kids’ responsibilities: They create the designs and have been involved in the whole process.
The benefits: According to owner Matt White, “I actually started the business last year because I wanted to connect more with my kids and help them understand what I do in business, but also to get involved in a good cause. For every shirt sold, we donate an insecticide-treated bed net through World Vision’s ACTS to End Malaria campaign. It’s great to be literally working with my kids (and my wife helps in fulfillment, too, so it’s a whole family affair!) and to be involved in something that helps others.”
