Entrepreneurship is an adventure your students should learn to ex- plore. How your child learns this process is open ended. Every child
in America today may need entrepreneurial skills to compete in our world of tomorrow. I believe it is one of the duties as a parent and an educator to encourage students
to use their creativity and imagination, and
to reach out to find ways to build businesses
and create income of their very own.
What is Entrepreneurship?
The business definition is, “The capacity
and willingness to develop, organize and
manage a business venture along with any
of its risks in order to make a profit.” 1
Many children naturally begin this pro-
cess when they start to negotiate or ask for
ways to earn money. Some parents start by
providing chores for cash. Others may cre-
ate opportunities for them to sell things to
others, like the lemonade stand or cookie
sale. Allowing your child to venture out and
try something new is exciting, scary, and
educational. The more opportunities you
can provide your kids now, as they are still
protected by you, the better off they will be
once they venture on their own. Children
learn about entrepreneurship without too
much risk. Failure is okay and an essential
part of learning.
Why Entrepreneurship?
Why should kids learn to build businesses
and take on risks financially to learn entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship benefits everyone! It
teaches kids to think outside the box and
learn unconventional skills. It instills confidence. Many of today’s businesses are run
by women, men, children, and immigrants
that seize the chance to make a life difference; they have nothing to lose, therefore
they try, and if they fail, they start a new
www.TheOldSchoolhouse.com
by Anna Cristosomo
Entrepreneurship for Families
and Students:
What, Why,
and How?
Every child in
America today may
need entrepreneurial
skills to compete
in our world of
tomorrow.
