Working for a small business as an extension of entrepreneurship education is one of the most fulfilling projects both kids enjoy experiencing.
Digging deep into entrepreneurship and finance this past January led to so many insights and open doors. Lively discussions on what is important in running a business as well as the pitfalls and risks that an entrepreneur takes ensue daily. The learning that occurs through running a small business which I have wrote about before is huge. Even more eye opening is the experience of being part of a small business operation after studying entrepreneurship. Each of my children participate as employees in family owned and run companies.
GM works as a private preschool assistant a couple days a week. This experience after studying entrepreneurship helps her understand the work her employer must do as far as filing taxes, communicating with parents, maintaining boundaries, and marketing for new students. Fortunately, she has the opportunity to observe as well as discuss these pieces of business with her boss.
H holds a position with a lawn service company as well as a business that offers auction services. Each are run by a parent-child team so the observations are interesting and comparable. As a constant observer of details, H distinguishes the similarities and differences each team operates on. Noticing the same aspects as his sister as well as work ethic from other employees his time traveling to job sites allows for candid conversations with the owners.
While an outsider may view these kids as "just" working, experiential learning that impossible to duplicate in the classroom is underway. Each approach their job with a sense of pride and ownership as well as an opportunity to learn new skills and understandings of business during their time working.
