Did you know that snowmobiles, popsicles, Christmas lights, ear muffs and trampolines were all invented by children? Warren Buffet, the world’s most prolific investor, bought his first stock at age 11 and reported it for tax purposes at age 13.
The next Elon Musk could be sitting across your living room begging you to let him watch ten more minutes of YouTube Kids while reading this article. the question is, do you recognize these traits exhibited by Musk Jr.
Here are some clear clues that may mean your child has the right traits to make it big. (Warning: Some of these may be rebellious or downright illegal.
They sell more lemonade than their friends
Some children’s “powers of persuasion” go into overdrive when they try to sell something, or more accurately, when they stand up and get something out of an interaction, even if they are not usually very talkative.
You may even find that they have multiple business ideas. They also jump from one idea to another – for example, trading cars with friends, doing more chores, and “earning” more allowances for a larger Barbie Dream House.
What can you do?
Teach your kids to save money. Open a bank account for them and teach them to invest (trust me, it’s never too early). Help them learn new skills, like mowing the lawn, painting the fence or writing code. Instill in them a sincere work ethic. Kids quickly learn how their parents approach their jobs. Finally, make sure they identify and understand the emotion, purpose and meaning of their desires and help them set goals (and pursue them) accordingly.
They are not the brightest bulbs in the box
Rule #1: Geniuses don’t get good grades in school. Straightforwardness may be a sign that a child is playing it too safe. When hiring for my startups, I find that most of the entrepreneurs I hire don’t have perfect GPAs,” says serial entrepreneur John Rampton。
Not surprisingly, the list of famous mega-entrepreneurs who dropped out of college includes Steve Jobs (Apple), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Michael Dell (Dell) and Travis Kalanick (Uber)。
What can you do?
Don’t push them hard. Accept average or below average grades, or accept that they may not be inclined toward academics or formal education, as long as they show an interest in learning what is important to them. But be sure to instill in your kids a love of math and numbers – it will serve them well into adulthood!
They engage in dangerous behavior
Does your six-year-old flip a skateboard like Spider-Man, climb the neighbor’s house, or swim to the deep end of the pool? Don’t worry, they’re just comfortable with subverting and twisting the rules – both essential traits of successful entrepreneurs. The more risks children take, the more confident and independent they become. This may even be a “problem” as they get older. For example, when they were young, Bill Gates smoked marijuana, Steve Jobs used LSD, and Steve Wozniak (Apple’s co-founder) hacked the phone system. But the results were good.
Many people are “protected” in childhood and are “taught” to develop a fear of the unknown, meaning they become overly resistant to change later in life. They grow up with little or no resilience to setbacks.
What can you do?
Know your child’s strengths and weaknesses. If they have a specific skill, say, “Great! Can you build a business around it? Even if they have a crazy idea, support them as long as it’s not illegal. Let them know it’s OK to fail – be careful not to shame them for their mistakes; help them learn from them. Give them autonomy – let them choose their toys and books, or how they want to spend their time. Decision-making is an art born of advice, not execution。
They are quirky but curious
When we turn the tap, how does the water flow out? Why did Grandma lose her teeth? Where do wasps go when they get sick? (Of course it goes to the wasps! Do your children’s questions drive you crazy? Relax. Their natural curiosity is nothing more than an entrepreneurial curiosity. Most entrepreneurs find that by persistently questioning the status quo, they can fill in the gaps。
If your child doesn’t fit the mold, you shouldn’t worry. If your boy doesn’t want to be a firefighter or your girl doesn’t want to be a princess, rejoice. Those who don’t classify themselves as children grow up to be more self-motivated, grounded, and take their place in society。
What can you do?
As a parent, it is your responsibility to provide all the answers and opportunities for your children. Nurture their creativity by throwing unstructured ideas at them and foster an atmosphere that encourages brainstorming and experimentation. Develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills through simple games, puzzles, brain teasers and riddles. Urge them to read and engage in the arts. Don’t scold them for deviating from norms or expressing different ideas。
