Every school year, parents reach out to their children’s teachers to inquire about any number of things. Sometimes it’s over a concern over their child’s academic performance or a conflict between students. Other times, these questions for teachers can be a bit more invasive, like when a school parent demands to know why certain things are being taught, like in the recent instance of a small faction of parents getting upset over Michaelangelo’s statue of David being shown in the classroom. But for every one of these situations, there are a slew of other questions that teachers would love to hear from the parents of their students. We asked several current and former teachers what questions they would love to hear from parents, and here’s what they said.

“What are my students’ strengths in your classroom?”

Jessica Matoian, an 8th-grade social science teacher at Sequoia Middle School in the Fresno Unified School District, says she would love to hear this question from parents, along with questions about how they can help develop those strengths outside of the classroom. “I believe in a growth mindset in my classroom. If I can work with parents and guardians on developing their students’ strengths, instead of highlighting their weaknesses, I find students are willing to take ownership of their strengths and build on them on their own,” says Matoian.

“Is my child happy? What lights them up?”

Brooklyn-based Christina Soriano, who taught elementary school art, social and emotional wellness, and Kindergarten summer school from 2006 through 2022, says she never heard any parent ask this, but wishes she had. “These questions are important because they are child-centered and strengths-based. It’s sometimes second nature, or sometimes cultural, that we go straight to how to make a child ‘better’ in a subject. Of course, that is a main point of schooling and learning, but it’s equally important to know what makes a child excited and joyful during the school day,” she says.

“How can I help my child succeed in your classroom?”

Victoria Taylor, a teacher with 20 years of experience and founder of BestCaseParenting, says she appreciates when parents take an interest in their children’s work. “Simply asking about ongoing projects and assignments can be extremely helpful to students and teachers alike. I understand it’s a lot for busy parents to stay on top of everything, but small gestures such as sending in student supplies or helping their child stay organized can make a huge difference,” says Taylor.

The same goes for Christina Collura, a full-time kindergarten teacher, autism advocate, and mother of two. “I am a firm believer every child has strengths (and weaknesses), and building and teaching children based on those strengths are vital to forming and building on a successful learning path,” says Collura.

“What supplies or materials do you need restocked/refilled for the classroom?

Amanda Dexter, who has been teaching middle and high school for eight years in Missouri’s St. Joseph School District says she would like parents to inquire about supplies long after the school year has begun. “At the beginning of the year, classroom supplies are usually fully stocked, but come a few months later and we’ve run out of glue sticks, construction paper, whiteboard markers, Kleenex, disinfecting wipes, pencils, etc. You’d be amazed at how quickly a class can burn through what seems like ample supplies in the beginning,” says Dexter. “Usually it is up to the teacher to restock supplies out of their own pockets.”

“Are there any educational activities or resources you recommend?”

“Parents who ask this question are actively seeking ways to enrich their child’s learning experiences. As a teacher, I can suggest educational apps, websites, books, or hands-on activities that align with the curriculum and support their child’s interests and learning style,” says Donna Paul, a Montessori teacher turned blogger at That’s So Montessori.

“How can I help my child develop independence and life skills?”

This might not be a typical question asked by parents, but Paul, who has over 10 years of in-class Montessori elementary teaching experience, says those who do inquire about this recognize the importance of preparing their children for future success. “I can provide suggestions on age-appropriate tasks, organization strategies, and opportunities for problem-solving that empower children to become self-reliant and confident individuals,” she says.

Related: Teacher Shares ‘Secret Code’ Used When Emailing Parents about Their Kids

mom asking a teacher questions
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“How can I support my child’s learning at home?”

While supporting a child’s education in the classroom is essential, Paul feels that parents should also look into how they can extend this into their homes. “By asking this question, parents show their commitment to their child’s education and seek guidance on how to extend learning beyond the classroom. As a teacher, I can provide valuable insights, resources, and strategies for creating a supportive learning environment at home,” she adds.

“What can I do to support my child’s social and emotional well-being?”

Nowadays, more parents and teachers are learning about the importance of social-emotional learning on top of academics. “Parents who ask this question demonstrate their understanding of the vital role social and emotional development plays in a child’s overall success. By seeking advice, parents can gain insights into how to foster healthy relationships, resilience, and emotional intelligence in their child’s everyday life,” says Paul.

“Does my child behave at school (and) are they respectful?”

Julie Navitka, a former middle school teacher (from 2008 through 2022) at Robert Andrews School in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, suggests parents ask this question to gain better insight into their child’s behavior. Why? While teachers will generally inform parents when their students are crossing the line with their behavior, it’s a good idea to check in with teachers to see if there are inklings of problematic behavior that can be addressed early on.

“Does my child get their work finished (and on time?)”

Navitka, who briefly taught high school and has since started blogging at Successfully Sustainable, also recommended this question. Questions for teachers like this can not only help prevent any academic slides but also potentially detect a larger issue if the student is having a lot of difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, such as a learning disability or a cognitive disorder like ADHD.

“Does my child distract others from their learning?”

While parents should always ask questions related to helping their own students, it doesn’t hurt to inquire about how they are ensuring the success of the entire classroom. “Teaching can be extremely stressful, and even though it’s not the only (or biggest) factor, dealing with unsupportive parents plays a role in this stress,” says Navitka. Being proactive in addressing issues like these can make difficult conversations about behavior issues smoother.

“How can I help contribute to the classroom?”

While donating supplies is always helpful, Birney Elementary School teacher Robert Garcia wishes parents would ask how they can help contribute to the classroom in other ways. “It could be volunteering, donating special incentives, or just making a guest appearance,” says the 6th-grade teacher who has taught in Fresno Unified School District for 29 years.

“What skills is my child struggling with that may not be covered in class?”

Eddie Maza, an 11th and 12th-grade English teacher at The Idea School, a private school in New Jersey, says it can often be difficult for teachers to address individual students’ needs at the beginning of the school year. “As a high school English teacher, I encountered students who required assistance with fundamental grammar issues. While I would have liked to provide them with additional support, the nature of teaching a large class made it challenging to offer supplementary content. By asking the teacher about specific areas that need improvement and how to develop those skills, you can create a plan to help your child catch up with the class,” says Maza.

“How can I support my child’s work without completing it for them?

According to Maza, “Parents naturally want to assist their children with school work, but it’s important to ensure that working through challenging assignments, collaborating with peers, and communicating with teachers remains part of the learning experience. Involvement from parents is valuable, but asking this question helps ensure that your efforts to support your child’s education do not deprive them of the essential learning experience.” Alternatively, he says parents can ask, “What are the objectives of this assignment?”

Related: 16 Things Parents Don’t Need to Worry About (According to Teachers)

#12 is really important

As parents, our greatest wish for our children is for them to be happy, healthy, and confident. Experts agree that curiosity and independent thinking are key ingredients to ensuring the development of these positive character traits; however, there is still often cultural and societal pressure for kids to conform to predetermined ideas and behaviors. 

Raising kids who stand up for what they believe in and who march to the beat of their drums can be a delicate balancing act, but it’s essential to fostering a strong sense of self. According to says Carole Kramer Arsenault, a licensed family therapist, and founder and CEO of Boston Baby Nurse, “Independent thinking children develop higher levels of confidence and have increased self-esteem. Children who are independent thinkers use their own experiences to interpret the world instead of believing everything they are taught by parents, teachers, society, etc.”

We asked child behavior and early education experts for their advice on how to foster confidence and independent thinking in any child. Here are their 12 best tips for raising an independent thinker.

1. Model and share the behaviors, values, and ideals you want your independent kid to possess.

Modeling and sharing with your child what you believe and what you value—early and often—will ensure that she grows up with a solid ideological foundation as she develops her sense of self. “Parents who communicate what they value with their children raise children who value communicating with their parents,” says Mica Geer, an American early education specialist based in Stuttgart, Germany. Geer adds that it’s a two-way street and parents also need to hear what their children value, too. “It may seem like the ramblings of a child, but when a kid is sharing her thoughts, parents need to really listen.”

2. Let children know that failure is an essential part of learning and growing.

Young children are like sponges: they’ll absorb virtually everything around them. Encouraging kids to learn through their failures instead of giving up when things get tough will empower them in the long run. According to the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit organization that supports families and children coping with mental illness and learning disabilities, “trial and error is how kids learn, and falling short on a goal helps kids find out that it’s not fatal.” By learning to embrace a misstep, a child may be spurred to put in the extra effort the next time, learning a valuable lesson. 

3. Expose your child to different cultures, foods, and multicultural/multiethnic experiences.

“Encouraging your child to play and interact with other kids from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds and diverse socio-economic circumstances can open a child’s mind to different worldviews and opinions,” says Kramer Arsenault. Early exposure to the wider world—to different cultures, people, and even food—teaches a child that the world is vast and open to lots of possibilities.

Related: 10 Things That’ll Help You Raise Resilient Kids

4. Instead of simply pushing independence, encourage self-reliance.

little girl learning how to be an independent thinker
Kipp Jareke-Cheng via Instagram

Dr. Jim Taylor, a San Francisco-based psychologist, says becoming an independent thinker is achieved through the pursuit of self-reliance. “As human beings, we are social creatures incapable of being truly independent. Instead of raising independent children, I want you to raise self-reliant children.” Dr. Taylor defines self-reliance as “confident in your own abilities and able to do things for yourself.” For children, that means encouraging the development of essential life tools that include cognitive, emotional, behavioral, interpersonal, and practical skills.

5. Tell your kids that practice makes perfect—or at least makes pretty great.

While experts agree that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to instilling confidence and independence in children, most recognize that values can and do change with time, age, and experience. The Center for Parenting Education provides useful resources for helping parents raise caring, responsible, resilient children, including practical exercises that parents and children can work on together to share and explore their basic life values.

6. Allow your kids to act their age.

One of the greatest and longest-lasting gifts a parent can give to a child is confidence. However, a parent can undermine a child’s confidence by creating expectations that are unrealistic or not age-appropriate. Carl Pickhardt, a psychologist, and author of 15 parenting books says, “When a child feels that only performing as well as parents is good enough, that unrealistic standard may discourage effort. Striving to meet advanced age expectations can reduce confidence.” Instead, he says parents should celebrate accomplishments big and small as well as encourage children to practice skills to build competence.

Related: I’m Raising My Kids to Be Financially Responsible & Independent. You Can, Too

7. Define and set clear boundaries for your child.

boy learning how to be an independent thinker
iStock

It may seem counter-intuitive, but defining and establishing clear boundaries and expectations will help a child feel a greater sense of independence and confidence. According to Geer, “reasonable boundaries that are based in logic and frequently reinforced actually do more to encourage kids than constantly changing expectations.” She adds that parents sometimes equate expectations with limitations, but kids always are looking for things that make them feel safe and in a safe environment to build their own ideas. 

8. Give your child the space to grow, learn and explore.

Younger children especially are trying to assert their independence in ways that may come across as defiant or disorderly to some parents. But experts caution not to overreact or jump in to correct too quickly. “Research shows that parents who are over-involved in an activity that a child is doing, who take over, those kids don’t develop a sense of pride, adventure, and willingness to try new things,” says Dr. Linda Acredolo, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California at Davis. Instead, Dr. Acredolo says children need the space to try—and fail on their own to learn and move forward.

9. Give responsibilities to your child at an early age.

Whether it’s simple household duties like taking out the trash or doing the dishes, assigning chores to children can give them a sense of accomplishment as well as set them up for understanding that seeing through the completion of tasks is essential throughout life and part of being a successful person. “By making them do chores… they realize, ‘I have to do the work of life in order to be part of life,’ ” says Julie Lythcott-Haims, a former Stanford University dean and the author of How to Raise an Adult.

Related: 10 Ways to Help Boost Your Kid’s Confidence

10. Encourage your child to ask questions and share their opinions.

little girl asking a question
iStock

 

Rather than enforcing your own perspective or dismissing your child’s questions, encouraging your child to question things and share their opinions and genuinely listen will help them gain confidence in their ideas. “This shows the child that his viewpoints matter. Parents should engage in actively listening to what their child has to say. When a child feels listened to he feels valued,” says Kramer Arsenault. And feeling valued will enhance your child’s self-esteem and confidence. 

11. Teach children that they have agency over their minds and bodies.

Children rely on so much from their parents and caregivers when they are young, but as they transition from childhood into adolescence, one of the most important lessons they need to learn is that they have agency over their minds and bodies. Parents can help facilitate the transition of their children’s dependence to greater independence by ensuring that their kids know the choices they make have consequences. The Center for Parenting Education has a helpful resource for helping parents and children navigate effective discipline and consequences

12. Trust your kids.

According to Dr. Jim Taylor, there are two kinds of children: independent and contingent. Contingent children are dependent on others for how they feel about themselves, while independent children are intrinsically motivated to achieve. Trusting that your child has learned the right lessons will allow him or her to flourish in their independence. “If your children are independent, you have provided them with the belief that they are competent and capable of taking care of themselves. You gave your children the freedom to experience life fully and learn its many important lessons,” says Dr. Taylor.

 

Parents aren’t going to be doing it all forever

There’s so much thought and pre-planning that goes into getting your teen ready for high school. You’ve run through the schedule and school layout, researched some teachers, and reviewed piles (oh, and piles) of paperwork. So, now that’s all done, is there anything else you can do to support your almost high-schooler in taking this big leap? We asked three experts to share their knowledge when it comes to learning those all-important coping skills for teens. You know, the ones that won’t be listed on their freshman-year syllabus.

1. Keeping track of all the things.

Until now, it’s been mostly your parenting brain helping your kid remember homework assignments, soccer practices, and those all-important school projects. With high school around the corner, let your teen step out of your brain and into theirs by keeping track of their own responsibilities. “Most schools have Learning Management Systems where teachers post assignments, etc. Students should train themselves to check those daily,” says Michael Roemer, Ph.D., and Director of Global Education at Trinity Valley School.

Apps like Remind and Band are useful when it comes to planning, and viewing calendars, and educators can communicate with their students here. In addition to these apps, teens can make lists or use a calendar to remember homework and important things after school. Roemer suggests trying out different organizational methods to find one that works best. “Kids need to try several things in elementary and middle school so that they have their own ‘system’ in place by high school,” Roemer says.

2. The value of making checklists.

Studies show that people perform better when they write down what they need to do. And writing out a checklist list when it comes to daily tasks gives us structure and visual aid for what needs to be accomplished. Teach your teen how to make their very own to-do list for homework or after-school commitments.

There are great list-making apps like Bear In Mind and Lists To-do that can be fun and easy to use or you can go old-school and write it out in a notebook. Writing out your list breaks up screen time and oh, wait for it…physically writing improves memory function and supports clear thinking skills. Also, research shows if you take a minute to doodle or decorate your list, this action helps you relax and think creatively—and your checklist just looks snazzier.

3. Self-reliance means setting a morning alarm.

Your kid waking up without your help may seem impossible, but sometimes the simplest tasks teach the most valuable lessons. “Responsibility is so important for kids,” says Paige Schueler, a child educator with Slate Run Elementary. “Recognizing that all of our actions have positive or negative consequences is vital for kids as they become adults.”

Empowering your almost high-schooler with responsibilities like setting a morning alarm builds confidence, and gives your teen more of what they’re craving—independence. “I think what’s most important is realizing that life doesn’t make excuses for us, so learning to be self-reliant and responsible is huge,” Schueler says.

4. Conversational skill basics.

Knowing how to hold a conversation helps kids build connections, make friends, and learn to ask for what they need. Dr. Katie Smith, a licensed clinical and child psychologist, says one way to work on gaining confidence when interacting with friends and authority figures is to practice.

“Encourage kids to talk to others outside their normal sphere—servers, store clerks, and neighbors,” Dr. Smith says. “Encourage them to make eye contact and remember that nonverbal communication skills make an important first impression (posture, facial expression, eye contact) that let others know you’re open to socializing.”

This type of consistent practice can empower your teen and deepen their understanding of talking and listening. Some kids need practice with a reciprocal conversation, and here Dr. Smith suggests going over this skill with them. “When asked a question, respond, then follow up with a question,” she says.

5. Knowing emergency protocols.

It can be nerve-wracking to talk to your kids about emergency situations and how to handle them. But having honest and age-appropriate discussions about these situations supports your teenager in feeling competent and in control. If we have a plan we’ve talked about and practiced, we’re more likely to automatically start plans and panic less, Roemer says. So, make sure your teen knows how and who to call for help depending on the emergency.

Schueler teaches her students—and her own kids—that it’s important to be aware of their surroundings. “I teach them to be aware of the situation they’re in and ask questions like: Do you feel safe? Are there people around that may not look safe? Are there circumstances that may not look safe?”

So, help your kids recognize unsafe and potentially dangerous situations and then give them the tools they need to leave. In some cases, you can create pre-planned exit strategies like a “blame parents” text code if your teen recognizes an uncomfortable situation and needs an out.

6. Doing (and folding and putting away) laundry.

Showing your teen how to wash, dry, and fold their own laundry is a good way to teach them accountability and the cause and effect of consequences. Because, guess what… if you don’t wash your dirty underwear or your favorite shirt, you won’t have it to wear the day you need it. Showing them how to take care of their belongings also reveals the real work behind what used to be parental magic. If you’re wondering if your kids’ white load will end up pink, Dr. Smith says, “A good thing to keep in mind is that if they can do it for themselves, they should.”

7. Awareness in social situations.

So, you’ve probably noticed the lightning-fast speed at which your teen’s mood can shift. One minute you’re the coolest parent ever and the next, well… not so much. This is due in part to hormonal fluctuations and developmental changes in the brain, which makes feelings run strong. Teens are learning how to process their emotions and are becoming more socially aware by recognizing the feelings of those around them, according to the University of Minnesota.

You can support this life skill for teens by bringing awareness into your everyday life. Asking your kid how they’re feeling so they can check in with themselves, using favorite TV/book characters to discuss their feelings and reactions, and/or modeling healthy ways to interact with those around you are all ways to support them. Becoming socially aware allows your teen to build strong positive relationships and develop deeper levels of empathy.

8. Understanding basic money matters.

Giving your teen the practical steps to deal with money not only helps them understand its value, but this conversation opens up the door for a lifetime of understanding. Explain the principles of saving and spending. Then talk to them about the cost of groceries or show them how to comparison-shop the price of that new game they so desperately want.

If you’re working with an allowance, apps like FamZoo or Step can help you navigate money management in a hands-on way. And don’t forget you can always set up a savings account and teach your kid the time-honored skill of balancing a checkbook. When learning any new skill like dealing with money, patience and support go a long way. “Kids are going to make mistakes, and that’s natural and a part of learning. So, let them fail, but be there to support them and help them recover and grow,” Roemer says.

9. Advocating for yourself.

Grade school is a time when your protective parenting instincts kick in, causing you to step in and stand up for your kid. But high school can be a time for your teen to learn how to speak up for themselves. “From a young age, our school and my family teach our kids to ‘use their big voice’ and tell the person what don’t like and what they would like instead,” Schueler says.

When it comes to self-advocacy, Schueler explains that it’s important we take steps to change society’s thinking that we’re rude or inconsiderate when telling someone we’re not comfortable in a certain situation. “And that starts with making teens more comfortable with expressing their opinions in a polite way,” Schueler adds.

The good news is parents can totally help their teens practice this life skill. “Adults can model for kids what it looks like to ask for guidance or support,” Roemer says. When this kind of culture exists, Roemer says it’s easier for teens to feel like advocating for themselves is what they should be doing, and that it’s more than okay, it’s expected. Learning how to speak up for yourself is a critical life skill that will serve them well as they move into adulthood, but be sure to meet your teen where they are. Dr. Smith suggests if your teen feels they cannot approach a teacher with a question or concern, find other ways that support like helping them write an email.

10. Preparing a meal.

You don’t have to be ready to be on Top Chef Jr. to know how to make a tasty meal. Preparing a simple breakfast, lunch, or dinner bolsters confidence and teaches responsibility. And yup, you guessed it; these are all qualities that can help make the transition from grade school to high school easier. “Keep in mind that our job as parents is to release confident, self-reliant, and independent young adults into the world,” Dr. Smith says. This means teaching them skills like preparing a meal (or setting their morning alarm) because, as Dr. Smith says, “self-reliance leads to confidence and independence.” And these are life skills for teens that are a critical part of their path to becoming an adult.

Looks like there’s a reason eldest daughters keep getting it done

Do you have memories of being the de facto babysitter for your brothers and sisters from a young age? Then you might be a first-born child!

Several studies have emerged in recent years affirming what eldest daughters have known our entire lives: First-born kids are more stressed than their siblings. Not only do we now feel seen, but we also feel justified for carrying all that extra anxiety into our adulthood.

“It’s also not unheard of to hear parents say that they delegate some of the responsibility of looking after their youngest children to their oldest child,” psychotherapist Caroline Plumer tells Metro.co.uk. Because of that expectation, kids take on adult pressures and stress from a young age that often follows them into adulthood.

“Eldest sisters will have spent at least a small portion of their lives as only children, and as such, have largely had adults, and particularly their mothers, to model their behaviors on,” Plumer goes on to explain. “Even today, women are still typically seen as the family caregivers, and if the mother is incapacitated for whatever reason, expectation can fall on the eldest child to step into her role.”

And it’s not just outside pressures that instill us older children with a heart-thumping desire to take on excess responsibility. There’s a physiological response, too.

A study from the 1970s showed that heart rate and respiration rate were found to increase more noticeably in eldest children who were exposed to four types of stimuli that included “tones, shocks, and problems.” Were the “tones” varying levels of screaming baby brothers and sisters? We think so.

In 1961, another study found that found that “first-born children are subjected to more inconsistent nurturance than are later-born children and consequently show more dependency behavior in the form of affiliative responses.” So basically, we lack independence and instead thrive on dependent behavior where other people need us and give us all the stress.

If you are a card-carrying first-born, you may have been given a ton more responsibility than your siblings growing up. But we’re betting that it turned you into the organized, self-reliant, and determined (albeit a little over-stressed at times) person you are today.

Not a bad hand to be dealt, if we’re being honest.

Parenting and raising a self-reliant daughter is a delicate balance between allowing her to discover things on her own and making sure she’s not feeling neglected. Your involvement in your daughter’s life will always be beneficial. But if you do too much, or even everything for your daughter, you’re not only robbing her of opportunities to learn life skills but also sending a message that you don’t trust in her abilities.

Independence boosts self-value and self-esteem, and according to veteran startup mentor, executive, and author Martin Zwilling, being independent is a key ingredient for entrepreneurial success. Even if your daughter has no interest in becoming an entrepreneur, you can still encourage her to develop a self-starter attitude that will benefit her in life, regardless of the path she chooses, with the following suggestions.

BE HER ROLE MODEL.

Your daughter needs someone to look up to and learn from, and you’re the best candidate for the job! It’s not that tough–you just have to remember to lead by example. You may even have already noticed that your daughter observes and models your words and actions. It’s never too early or late to do a self-evaluation and ensure your behavior promotes independence. Strive for progress, not perfection, as a role model.

COACH FROM THE SIDELINES

Age-appropriate chores are great tools that teach basic life skills. When assigning household duties to your daughter, include time for training and proper handover, so she learns to complete tasks on her own without you continually looking over her shoulder. This set-up allows her to feel a sense of accomplishment and understand what it’s like to make meaningful contributions.

SET HIGH BUT ATTAINABLE STANDARDS

While your daughter learns the ropes and accomplishes tasks independently, continue to set her up for success with evidence-based growth mindset practices such as cultivating a passion for learning, valuing effort, teaching grit, and setting high academic attainment expectations. This approach helps your daughter become more independent because she will learn that skills improve with practice, mastery takes time and effort, and persistence pays off.

STRIVE FOR CONSISTENCY

Aim for a daily routine. The more consistent, the better. Eventually, your daughter will become less reliant on you and take charge of her responsibilities without constant reminders from you. Solving problems on her own, especially the ones she can handle, will become second nature to her.

BE ON THE SAME PAGE

Get everyone in your household on board and share the responsibility of fostering independence in your daughter. If you and other family members, including involved grandparents and nannies or babysitters are not on the same page, it can be a source of confusion for your daughter. It’s for your daughter’s benefit that you form a united front with everyone who interacts with her regularly.

MAINTAIN YOUR BOND

Carve out quality time with your daughter and check in on her. Encourage her to share her feelings and express her fears and frustrations. Keeping the lines of communication open with your daughter gives you insight into how well she’s coping with challenges, stress, and failure, which you can use as a teachable moment for resilience and independence.

Whenever you encourage your daughter’s sense of autonomy, you provide your daughter with the belief that she can competently handle life’s ups and downs. You also give her the chance to strengthen her ability to view challenges as opportunities, one of the many traits most important for budding young entrepreneurs

This post originally appeared on The Startup Squad Blog.

I've always built businesses, from a childhood gummy bear business to adult gigs at IMAX and Coupons.com. I founded The Startup Squad to help girls reach their potential and my book series, The Startup Squad, is published by Macmillan. I live in Silicon Valley with my wife and two daughters.

Sabrina Bradley knows all about the hard work and dedication needed to build a successful business. A passion for skincare and environmentally-friendly products, she worked hard to turn her dreams of creating a line of holistic treatments and owning her boutique spa into a reality.

When she became a mother, Sabrina knew she would be implementing the same values and skills she acquired as a business owner in her son Chase’s everyday life. She wanted to inspire him to be a risk-taker, create his own path, and walk to the beat of his own drum.

Teaching your children about entrepreneurship and the value of hard work at an early age will have a positive impact on their futures and increase their chances of success. Children are like sponges; they absorb information and actively make sense of it. When thinking about how to teach your kids about these topics effectively, make sure to make it an enjoyable learning experience. Here are a couple of helpful tips to inspire your little ones to become young entrepreneurs.

1. Set Goals. When Chase was younger, Sabrina created to-do lists with goals for him to accomplish. Then, she helped him create a vision board and set his own goals. Helping kids create challenging but attainable goals will not only boost their confidence but also value the time and hard work they have spent achieving them. Having their goals visible will set as a reminder and make it simpler for your child to keep track and celebrate their progress, keeping them motivated.

2. Break the News that “Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees.” Entrepreneurs are financially self-reliant; that’s why it’s necessary to encourage a strong work ethic and teach kids about the value of hard work. From an early age, Sabrina made it clear to Chase that money doesn’t grow on trees. When Chase started preschool, Sabrina would use old coffee tins as a “coin bank.” Every Friday (payday), she would give him money for doing his assigned chores; she would also deduct money when he neglected them. When Chase got a little older, Sabrina “hired” him as the “operational manager” for her company, where his duties included printing out shipping labels, packing orders, putting up flyers, etc. Giving your kids’ essential job roles and having them involved in your business to earn money instills a strong work ethic, a necessary quality for aspiring entrepreneurs.

3. Embrace Failure. Being an entrepreneur and starting a business is like going through an obstacle course: there will be setbacks, challenges, and roadblocks before getting to the finish line. That’s why it’s important to learn how to be resilient and embrace failure. Sabrina taught Chase that it was okay to fail; it was just a bump in the road on his way to success. She emphasized that to move forward, he would have to gracefully accept his mistakes, learn from his experience, and use it as motivation to try again. Teach your kids that failure is not an excuse to quit. The amount of times they fail or get rejected is unimportant; what matters is that they get back up, learn, dust themselves off, and try again.

As a momtrepreneur, Sabrina taught her son Chase the ropes of entrepreneurship—and it’s paying off. At 17, Chase is seen as a young mentor to children in his community and is working diligently to have his own business one day. Whether or not your child chooses the path of having their own business or not, the skills above will help them succeed in whatever profession they decide to pursue in the future.

Dena Roché is a multi-faceted communications professional who assists luxury, hospitality and wellness brands become publishers of quality content and writes for national and international publications, while helping brands create their own messaging.

Photo: Martin Thomas via Flickr

Parents, stop whatever fun activities you thought you needed to do with your kiddos this summer. Psychologists are giving you a break, and recommend that your little ones get bored this season.

Psychologists and child development experts suggest that over-scheduling children during the summer is unnecessary and could ultimately keep kids from from discovering what truly interests them. Lyn Fry, a child psychologist in London with a focus on education, says, “if parents spend all their time filling up their child’s spare time, then the child’s never going to learn to do this for themselves.”

Dr. Teresa Belton, visiting fellow at the University of East Anglia with a focus on the connection between boredom and imagination, told the BBC that boredom is crucial for developing “internal stimulus,” which then allows true creativity.

So what should we do? Nothing?

Experts suggest on working with their children, and make a simple summer bucket list. The activities can be ride a bike, take some pictures, learn a new card game, etc.

Then, when your child (inevitably) comes to you whining, tell them to look at the list and pick something.

Lyn Fry says, “I think children need to learn how to be bored in order to motivate themselves to get things done. Being bored is a way to make children self-reliant.”

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H/T: Quartz