Nurturing Future Entrepreneurs: A Parent’s Guide to Building Self-Confidence, Self-Discipline, and Passion in Children

It may seem that lately, becoming an entrepreneur has been all the buzz. But let’s remember that every business—whether old or new, large or small, closed or still running—started with an idea and an entrepreneurial mindset. If you grew up watching Sesame Street like me, you might recall the song “Who are the people in your neighborhood?” Well, entrepreneurs are some of the people that you meet each day! From the child care provider, baker, and photographer, to the ice cream truck operator, the kid mowing lawns, and even the candy lady on the block, behind every product or service there is an entrepreneur. These are the people that show that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, making a difference in our lives both big and small every day.

Not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur. Many find happiness in their careers or jobs without the need to start their own business. Others may not want the responsibilities that come with running a business, and that’s perfectly fine because entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. However, nowadays, more people are looking to entrepreneurship to find financial freedom, and the opportunity to leave their traditional jobs. The challenge is figuring out how to succeed as an entrepreneur. Two keys to this success are: 1) being connected to your purpose, gifts, and strengths, and 2) possessing the right behaviors, attitudes, and qualities needed to succeed.

Why do some entrepreneurs make it look easy while others struggle or fail? According to verywellmind.com, it comes down to ‘nature’ and ‘nurture.’ Some traits are influenced by genetics (nature), while others are shaped by environment and experiences (nurture). In other words, some people are born with these traits, while others must learn them.

Consistent small actions build habits—good, bad, or indifferent. As parents, we have the opportunity to make a difference by beginning to instill key qualities in our children during early childhood. Many who struggle with entrepreneurial success often do so because they haven’t developed the skills and disciplines necessary to succeed in business, and are unable to overcome the poor habits that were formed instead.

Whether our children grow up to be intrapreneurs or entrepreneurs, we can change the trajectory of their lives by nurturing and strengthening their behaviors and personalities from a young age. Here are 3 important keys to success and practical ways to build these skills through your child’s everyday activities:

1.  Build Self-Confidence. Self-confidence is crucial for a child’s success. Confident children not only believe in their abilities but also strive to do their best. It’s important to remember that self-confidence is not measured by how loud or quiet a child is, but by how much they trust their abilities and embrace their achievements. Starting to build self-confidence from a young age will help them overcome challenges as adults. Here’s how you can help:

a.  Assign Responsibility. When children complete tasks, it boosts their belief in themselves. Notice how proud children feel when they accomplish something on their own. Keep that sense of accomplishment alive! This not only strengthens their confidence, but also motivates them to take on more responsibilities. Allow them to make safe mistakes. This gives you a chance to help them develop critical thinking by discussing what they did well and how they can improve next time.

b.  Reward Accomplishments. Reward without achievement breeds entitlement. Praising your child when they do something well, finish a task, or achieve a goal is a simple and effective way to build confidence. To power up your praise, be specific about what made their accomplishment great. When you offer rewards like treats, outings, or toys, match the reward to the level of their achievement. This teaches them that hard work pays off and helps avoid entitlement while boosting their confidence.

c.  Affirmations. Encourage your child to develop a positive and confident mindset. Teach them to think and speak positively about themselves. As they learn to do this, confidence will become their default response to opportunities and challenges. Here are three scripture-based affirmations to help build their confidence:

•        “I am special and wonderfully made by God. Everything about me is amazing, and I know it!” – Psalm 139:14

•    “God has amazing plans for me. He wants me to be happy, safe, and full of hope for a wonderful future”. – Jeremiah 29:11

•       “Everyone has special talents given to us by God. I will use my talents with faith and joy!” – Romans 12:6

2.  Make Self-Discipline a Habit. Self-discipline is crucial for helping children control their actions and build traits like obedience, organization, and accountability. A disciplined child can focus on their daily tasks and responsibilities, making it easier for them to reach their goals. Here are three practical ways to instill self-discipline:

a.  Increase Responsibilities. Start with simple chores, like putting toys away, and gradually increase the tasks as your child grows. Doing chores helps children develop a strong work ethic and teaches them to notice what needs to be done around them. This not only makes them feel proud and responsible, but also gives them a sense of contribution and accomplishment.

b.  Set Deadlines. Deadlines help children understand the value of time and the consequences of procrastination. By setting deadlines, they learn to plan and establish daily routines. As they get older, involve them in planning their schedules. This will help them develop prioritizing and multitasking skills, which are essential for managing school, work, and extracurricular activities, and will serve them well into adulthood.

c.  Promote Accountability. Hold your children accountable for completing their tasks. Have conversations with them and ask leading questions to help them understand why they avoided duties or missed deadlines. This will teach them to reflect on their behaviors, take ownership, and commit to being more responsible in the future. Over time, self-discipline will become a natural part of their character, making organization and responsibility second nature. When accountability becomes a part of their character, children will manage their lives more smoothly, which is key to achieving their goals and succeeding in life.

3.  Help Them Discover Their Passion. Helping our children find and develop their passions is one of the most important things we can do. Recognizing and nurturing their unique talents, skills, and abilities helps them grow into their true selves. We must be careful not to allow them to be buried in conformity, lack of expression, missed opportunities, and lack of attention. Some children become so deeply buried under so many layers of self-suppression that their true selves, their purpose, dreams, and visions, are hidden. It then becomes challenging as an adult to uncover those layers and let their light shine. Here’s how you can help:

a.  Communicate. Actively listening to our children teaches them to listen, too. Show genuine interest and respond positively to their thoughts and concerns to help them learn the art of conversation. Asking them thought-provoking questions not only helps them develop meaningful two-way conversation skills, but also inspires creativity and critical thinking.

b.  Create New Opportunities. Encourage children to try new activities and step out of their comfort zones. Pay attention to their interests and talents to discover what they enjoy and excel at. Supporting their natural passions can make their journey easier and help them connect with their dreams early in life.

c.  Share Dinner Conversations. Dinner table conversations can be like therapy, providing a space for sharing, caring, and healing. Use this time to create an atmosphere of support, security, and trust. When children feel safe to express their thoughts and concerns, it offers valuable insights into their world and helps them feel loved and understood. This regular family interaction helps them grow up feeling secure and well-rounded.

As parents, we not only provide for our children, but we also lead, shape, and support them in becoming who they are meant to be. It’s important to guide them gently, creating experiences that help them find their purpose. This way, they can lead lives full of meaning, fulfillment, and prosperity, creating a legacy that will carry on for generations. You are welcome to share your experiences and tips on nurturing entrepreneurial traits in children in the comments below.

References

What to know about nature vs. nurture. (2009, February 5). Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-nature-versus-nurture-2795392