In fact, Bombay Shaving Company’s CEO, Shantanu Deshpande, recently sparked a debate when he said:
"If financial security weren’t a concern, 99% of people wouldn’t return to work the next day."
That statement speaks volumes. If the ultimate goal is financial freedom and a meaningful life, why not start preparing kids for it now? Instead of raising children to fit into a system that may not serve them, we can teach them to think independently, take risks, and create their own opportunities.
If you want to raise a child who doesn’t just survive but thrives, here’s how you can nurture an entrepreneurial mindset early on.
1. Let Them Think Big Most great businesses started as ideas that seemed impossible. Kids are naturally creative—don’t shut that down with "That won’t work" or "Be realistic." Instead, ask them, "How would you make it work?"
How You Can Help:
Encourage them to come up with solutions to everyday problems.
If they have an idea for a small business, like selling homemade crafts or starting a YouTube channel, support it.
Celebrate creativity, whether it’s in art, tech, writing, or problem-solving.
The goal isn’t to force them into entrepreneurship—it’s to show them that they have the power to shape their own future.
2. Teach Them to Make Decisions One of the biggest skills an entrepreneur needs is confidence in their decisions—even when they don’t have all the answers. Start by letting kids make small choices on their own and gradually increase the stakes.
How You Can Help:
Let them decide how to spend their pocket money (and face the consequences if they run out too soon).
Allow them to plan their schedule or choose extracurricular activities based on their interests.
Guide them, but don’t interfere—mistakes are part of the learning process.
A child who learns to make decisions early won’t grow up feeling lost when life throws challenges their way.
3. Let Them Fail Failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the journey. Many people fear failure so much that they never take risks. But the most successful entrepreneurs see failure as feedback.
How You Can Help:
When something doesn’t work out, instead of saying “I told you so,” ask “What did you learn from this?”
Share your own experiences with failure. Let them see that setbacks happen to everyone—even adults.
Praise effort, persistence, and problem-solving, not just success.
When kids learn that failure isn’t something to fear, they develop resilience—the secret ingredient to success.
4. Show Them How Money WorksMost schools teach kids how to solve math problems—but they don’t teach them how money actually works in real life. Financial literacy is key to independence, whether they start a business or not.
How You Can Help:
Give them a budget for things they want and let them figure out how to manage it.
Show them how businesses make money—whether it’s a lemonade stand, an online store, or a local shop.
Involve them in discussions about savings, investments, and smart spending.
Understanding money from a young age gives them the confidence to take control of their financial future instead of relying on a paycheck.
5. Expose Them to the Real World Success isn’t just about school grades—it’s about understanding how the world works. The more exposure kids get to different industries, ideas, and experiences, the more opportunities they’ll see.
How You Can Help:
Take them to local businesses and explain how they operate.
Encourage them to meet people from different professions, not just traditional career paths.
Discuss trends in technology, markets, and entrepreneurship in a way that sparks curiosity.
A child who sees the bigger picture will grow up knowing that opportunities are everywhere—you just have to recognize them.
6. Teach Them the Value of Time Time is the one resource you can never get back. Entrepreneurs understand this and use their time wisely. Kids should learn early that managing time well is just as important as managing money.
How You Can Help:
Give them small projects with deadlines so they learn to prioritize.
Teach them to break big goals into smaller, manageable steps.
Show them by example—if you value your time, they’ll learn to do the same.
Good time management skills will help them succeed in whatever path they choose—business, career, or life.
7. Encourage Exploration The best entrepreneurs don’t think inside the box—because they never believed in the box to begin with. They explore, observe, and connect the dots between different experiences.
How You Can Help:
Travel with them, even if it’s just to a new city or neighborhood.
Encourage them to try different activities—sports, arts, tech, anything that interests them.
Ask them questions like, “How do you think this business works?” or “What would you do differently?”
The more they experience, the more they’ll be able to see possibilities where others see limits.
The Future Belongs to the Creators—Not Just the Followers The world is changing. Degrees don’t guarantee success anymore. The people who thrive in the future will be those who:
Think independently
Solve problems creatively
Take risks and learn from failures
Understand money, time, and business
As a parent, you have the power to equip your child with these skills—not by forcing them down a path, but by giving them the tools and confidence to carve their own.
The question is: Will they grow up feeling trapped in a system they don’t control, or will they have the mindset to build something of their ownThat choice starts now.