Children spend a lot of time listening to older, more experienced figures. In fact, if being a child could be considered a job, listening to figures of authority would be a huge part of the job description! Kids of course, spend a lot of time wondering what they would be if they grow up. They crave independence and this gives them a natural aptitude to learning entrepreneurial skills. Of course, helming a business at a young age may not be practical, but the core skills required of an entrepreneur can be taught and nurtured.

Fostering entrepreneurial skills early on ensures that children are better prepared to make the most of the opportunities afforded to them later in life. Some of these skills are:

1. Resilience- Resilience is key quality for entrepreneurs. Life will knock you down at times and the ability to deal with your emotions and rise up again is important. Engage with your kids about their problems, help them understand their feelings and guide them in a positive direction. 

2. Communication- As entrepreneurs, communication becomes essential to the success of the enterprise. Have ‘conversations’ with your children, treat them like an adults, and you will see their social skills grow. As children discover that better communication produces better outcomes for them, they will be positively reinforced on their journey to being better communicators.

3. Goal-setting - Goal-setting is the foundation of daily work in an enterprise. Making this skill intrinsic at young age and not an effort later in life is quite easy. Sit with your kids and help their organise their projects for school. For summer homework, sit with them and encourage them to come up with the plan. Insist on following the established plan and be encouraging as they achieve goals.

4. Teamwork - This trait is absolutely key for success. Very few people have achieved success by going it alone. The best way to learn teamwork is by encouraging your child to play games. Not just Playstation and games on the phone as is the fashion now but sports, with several other people, where the environment is more challenging, stimulating and educational. 

5. Foster confidence and optimism - These two qualities form the foundation of a personality that is positive, supportive and driven. Entrepreneurship is also an endeavour built on confidence and self-belief. Encourage their opinions, teach them how to make arguments, instil in them the desire to help out around the house. When times our tough for them, smile and assure them that things will get better and show them how to solve their own problems.

This Children’s Day start giving your child the tools necessary to become a successful entrepreneur.