Parents who homeschool their children are uniquely positioned to raise future entrepreneurs. Many of the skills homeschooled children are taught—independence, responsibility, self-sufficiency, and so on—are those qualities that are truly essential for a successful entrepreneur to possess. In fact, many homeschooling parents are entrepreneurs themselves, and therefore set an example for their children at an early age. You should be aware, however, that homeschooled children of entrepreneurial parents often end up either goal-obsessed and neurotic or spoiled and entitled. How can homeschooling parents avoid these two extremes and raise well-adjusted, successful entrepreneurial children?
One great way parents who homeschool can impart business savvy to their children is by involving them in the business. Any family-based business requires a myriad of small tasks perfect for children to help out with, such as filing, organizing, cleaning, or even answering phones and taking messages for older children. Homeschooled children who are directly involved in business will get hands-on experience that will take them far in the entrepreneurial world. The structure of homeschooling particularly contributes to their ability to participate, as they are not confined to a classroom for the bulk of the business day.
Parents who homeschool have already reinforced their commitment to making children a priority. This knowledge helps children to develop an entrepreneurial spirit, as it demonstrates that business owners can be flexible in order to make time for the things that matter to them, and still get the necessary work done. Homeschooled children understand that even though their parents are working, they are important and valued. They are also able to see firsthand the successful juggling of time and scheduling that goes into creating a balanced environment between work, family and education.
Homeschooled children are naturally encouraged to take responsibility for themselves, and to find their own life paths. This is especially crucial to the future entrepreneur. Homeschooling parents who operate a family business can and should encourage their children to make their own decisions, even if the decision involves a solo venture for the child rather than going into the family business. Often, parents who home school are aware of the necessity to allow children to make their own mistakes. By offering advice but not making decisions for homeschooled children, parents reinforce the skills necessary for success in the business world. Homeschooled children enjoy a better opportunity to become prosperous entrepreneurs, whether it is through a family business or on their own.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mimi Rothschild is a homeschooling parent, author, children's rights advocate, and Founder and C.E.O. of Learning by Grace, Inc. She and her husband of almost 3 decades reside with their 8 children in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Rothschild co-founded Learning By Grace, Inc. because "our current system of education has broken its promise..." Learning By Grace, Inc. delivers Internet-based multimedia education to PreK-12 children in the United States and throughout the world.
Rothschild has authored a number of books about education published by McGraw Hill and others. Her Home Education News Blog contains feature stories on alternatives in education.
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