Raising an Entrepreneur

Believe

Whether your children succeed as entrepreneurs or as employees, they need their parents – especially their mothers – to support and believe in them. Don’t usher your kids into “safe” fields or professions. Expose them to as many ideas, fields and career choices and as much knowledge as possible. Don’t try to nip unconventional choices in the bud. A love of drawing, writing, video games or virtually anything else can provide a surprising path to entrepreneurial success – if you support it and allow it to grow.

Encourage your kids to discover what they love and where they excel. Their interests may change as they grow, but let them pursue what they will, regardless of whether their selections seem likely to lead to conventional jobs with financial security. Safe choices often lead to mediocre lives, while bold, purposeful choices can lead to happiness and greatness. Because great work requires enormous determination, perseverance and long hours, only those inspired by purpose and passion have a chance, so instill morals, values and a sense of mission in your children. Money or other drivers simply can’t fuel the “grit” your kids will need to ...