Raising Entrepreneurial Kids

Ideas, reflections, and real-life lessons for helping children build confidence, creativity, initiative, resilience, and entrepreneurial thinking.

Mindset Shift: Lessons from David Wood’s Break Through Training

Enterprise For KidsTeam Mindset, Confidence & Leadership, Raising Entrepreneurial Kids , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments
Cathy and Trevor with friends at leadership training challenging comfort zones and mindset

Mindset shift was the biggest lesson we took from David Wood’s Break Through Training. It challenged us to face fear, take responsibility, change our environment and step beyond what felt comfortable.

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This article is not just about a training weekend. It is about the kind of thinking we want our children to grow up around: courage, connection, responsibility, positive reference groups and the belief that who you were does not have to be who you become.

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David Wood teaching mindset shift lessons through Break Through Training
David Wood’s Break Through Training challenged us to face fear, take responsibility and shift our mindset.

Mindset Shift: Lessons from David Wood’s Break Through Training

We were spellbound by David Wood’s energy, inspiration and mastery when he presented his Break Through Training Program to us. His message was confronting, exciting and deeply practical:

Everything is possible for anyone, despite circumstance.

But possibility is not enough on its own. David challenged us to step out, go after what we want, and stop allowing fear to pull us back. He taught that we must take 100% responsibility for what we have and what we do not have, without blame, justification or excuse.

That is where the real mindset shift begins.

We are the only ones who can make the shift in thinking and create success for ourselves. No one else can do that inner work for us.

Why a Mindset Shift Matters for Adults and Children

During the three-day program, we gained tremendous insights into ourselves, how we connect with people and how we approach life.

David emphasised the importance of connecting with people. His tip was very simple:

Say “hello” — and do it as often as you can, with energy.

This sounds simple, but it is a powerful lesson. Many adults and children hold themselves back because they are afraid of rejection, embarrassment or not knowing what to say. A small act like saying hello can become a starting point for confidence, connection and courage.

This links closely with what many educators now call a growth mindset: the belief that abilities can develop over time through effort, strategies and learning. Stanford’s growth mindset resources explain that this idea comes from Carol Dweck’s child psychology research. You can read more about growth mindset through Stanford here.

For us, David’s training was a very real, physical version of this lesson. We were not just hearing about growth. We were being pushed to practise it.

Break Through Training in Perth helping people create a mindset shift
Break Through Training in Perth challenged us to think differently, connect with people and take action.

A Mindset Shift Around Hearing “No”

One of the things that stood out for us was David’s teaching that “no” does not always mean “no forever”.

David reminded us, in a fun game, how to respond when we hear a “no”. Instead of shrinking, blaming ourselves or deciding we are not good enough, he encouraged us to do the Happy Dance.

And he meant really do it.

Do not let yourself go down the path of:

  • I didn’t present well enough.
  • I didn’t know my stuff well enough.
  • I’m not qualified enough.
  • They rejected me, so I should stop trying.

Instead, whenever you hear a no, see it as one step closer to your next yes.

That is a powerful mindset shift for children too. Whether they are selling lolly bags, speaking in front of a class, trying out for a team, making a new friend or asking for help, they need to learn that a “no” is not the end of the road.

Reference Groups and the Mindset Shift We Want for Our Kids

Many of the distinctions and lessons David taught were strongly aligned with what we had been learning through our Money Mastery course with our mentor Paul Counsel. One of those lessons was the importance of a reference group.

“I become the sum of the five people I spend the most time with.”

If we want amazing results in our lives, we need to associate with people who are moving toward those results. One way to do that is to attend events, join mentor groups and build friendships with energetic, motivated and successful people.

We also recognise that this is just as important for our children. That is why we encourage them to mix with positive peer groups and get involved in sporting teams, enterprise projects and real-world learning experiences.

As David put it:

“Environment is stronger than willpower.”

Rather than relying on willpower alone, we can change the environment and reference group. For children, this might mean being around teammates, creative friends, entrepreneurial families, positive mentors and adults who model courage and responsibility.

Cathy and Trevor with David Wood learning about reference groups and mindset shift
Being around motivated people reminded us how powerful our reference group can be.

Mindset Shift Through Getting Uncomfortable

We also learned that success is not convenient. It requires getting out of routine and comfort.

During the training program, David pushed our boundaries so we could practise being uncomfortable. We talked to strangers on the street, missed coffee breaks, hugged each other, held hands with people we did not know, stayed late past the planned program times, spoke publicly, became vulnerable, and danced and danced and danced.

We loved one of his favourite sayings:

“Get so uncomfortable about being uncomfortable that you get comfortable.”

This is something we definitely need to encourage in schools and families. Children need safe opportunities to stretch. They need to try things that feel a little awkward at first. That might be public speaking, selling a product, meeting someone new, performing, joining a team, making a phone call or trying again after failure.

Confidence grows when children do brave things in small steps.

Cathy and Trevor with David Wood after learning comfort zone and mindset shift lessons
David Wood pushed us to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Personal Responsibility Creates a Mindset Shift

David shared a simple exercise that he said could completely change your life:

Do not blame, justify or complain for ninety days.

That is a huge challenge. It asks us to stop handing away responsibility and start noticing what we can change.

David truly believes that no dreamer is ever too small and no dream is ever too big. He says that if you do not know where you are going, every road will get you there. So the first step is to begin. Choose a direction and start walking.

He also reminded us:

“We will miss 100% of the shots we never take.”

So just believe in yourself and have a go.

This is another important lesson for entrepreneurial kids. They do not need to wait until they are perfect. They need to begin, learn, adjust and keep going.

Who You Were Can Completely Change

David pointed out that everyone was once a disaster, including him.

His life certainly did not start out on the right track. His dad left the family when he was seven, and he grew up angry with his mother. He dropped out of school and was in all kinds of trouble as a teenager living on the streets. He spent years travelling around the world, broke and living day to day. He worked as a chimney sweeper, window cleaner and barman.

But David discovered for himself that who you were can completely change. This realisation led to different thinking, which brought him wealth, success and happiness beyond what he had once expected.

His success was a direct result of a change in thinking and attitude.

Paul Counsel also supports the view that we are a product of our thinking. What we think and believe can shape our reality, choices and results.

David points out that our results tell us what is going on in our lives. If we are unhappy, stuck or struggling, then we may need to consider whether what we have been doing up until now is working. If we do not find a new way and make changes, our results may continue to look the same.

His advice was to stop taking advice from broke, unhappy people and seek out successful mentors and friends who can move us in the right direction.

Mindset Shift Lessons from Friends at the Training

Friends who attended the Break Through Training with us shared how deeply the weekend affected them.

“An amazing weekend with David in Perth along with an awesome group of people… all willing to feel the fear and do it anyway! Life is not a dress rehearsal… just do it! Stop justifying, blaming and complaining… Grab happiness with both hands… Thank you so much! If you ever have the opportunity to spend time with David — take it!” — Tracey

“Thanks David for an awesome weekend! If someone had told me I could sit through three massive days of training and never once feel like I was falling asleep, I would have said impossible. The way you share the information and teach is inspirational. So many laughs and take-away lessons — none more so than how to connect and change the warmth in a room. Inspired to say hello more often.” — Melissa

“David, this weekend in Perth has left a permanent imprint in my heart and mind. I will take 100% responsibility for what I have and what I do not have! Your seminar was so well presented and motivational that I have already started applying the strategies to every aspect of my life and have been dancing my no boogie quite regularly!” — Denise

David Wood, The Kickass Life and Managing Your Thoughts

One of our favourite podcast episodes from David Wood’s The Kickass Life series was his interview with Andrea Owen. She talked about becoming your own biggest fan and becoming a legend in your own mind.

We loved that idea. Get rid of disempowering thoughts. And if the thoughts will not go away, learn to manage them. Take the power away from the gremlins inside your head.

Jack Canfield interview with David Wood about mindset shift and personal responsibility
David Wood’s ideas also connected with wider personal development lessons about responsibility, courage and taking action.

Why This Mindset Shift Matters for Entrepreneurial Kids

David Wood gave excellent teachings about daily life, relationships and business, especially around referral businesses and the power of connecting with people.

In this day and age, referrals are still a powerful way that businesses keep loyal customers. Young people are growing up in a world where networking, connection and communication are part of everyday life through sport, school, community and multimedia.

But the bigger lesson is not only about business. It is about helping children become brave enough to take responsibility, connect with people, try new things, dream big and recover from rejection.

That is the mindset shift we want for our children.

Key Takeaway: A Mindset Shift Begins With Responsibility

Key takeaway: A real mindset shift begins when we stop blaming, step outside our comfort zone, choose positive reference groups and take responsibility for our results. These are powerful lessons for adults, children and entrepreneurial families.

Where to Next?

Have you ever experienced a mindset shift that changed the way you handled fear, responsibility or discomfort? We would love to hear your story in the comments.

Plan to Buy Gold and Silver!

Enterprise For KidsTeam Money Lessons for Kids, Raising Entrepreneurial Kids , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments
Kids holding large display gold nuggets outside the Perth Mint while learning about buying Perth Mint coins

Buy Perth Mint coins may sound like an unusual money lesson for kids, but for our family it became a practical way to talk about planning, saving, assets, liabilities and long-term thinking.

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Most people have a plan for how to make money, but not always a plan for what to do with that money once they earn it. This became an important conversation in our family as our children started earning money through their own little enterprises.

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Kids outside the Perth Mint learning how to buy Perth Mint coins and understand assets
A visit to the Perth Mint became a real-world money lesson about assets, saving and planning ahead.

Buy Perth Mint Coins: A Money Lesson for Kids

“Failing to plan is planning to fail!” — Robert Kiyosaki

Robert Kiyosaki points out that many people work hard to earn money, but do not have a clear plan for what to do with it. Often, those same people can still end up feeling short of money, even when they earn more.

That idea really made us think. Our own children were busy planning their enterprises and successfully making money. They had plans to buy things they wanted, such as Nerf guns, iPods, computers and other exciting items, but they did not yet have much of a plan to buy assets.

So we decided it was time to have a family conversation about planning what to do with earned money. The idea to buy Perth Mint coins gave us one very practical way to make that conversation real.

Kids money plan showing how children can plan for assets liabilities and saving
Kids need a simple plan for what to do with their money once they earn it.

Why Kids Need a Money Plan Before They Buy Perth Mint Coins

Kids need an education on how to plan what to do with their money when they earn it. It is not enough to teach children how to make money. They also need to learn how to save, give, spend wisely and think about assets.

Kiyosaki explains the difference between spending money on things that take money away from you and spending money on things that can hold or grow value over time.

The simple lesson for kids is this:

  • Liabilities are things we buy that usually lose value or cost us more money.
  • Assets are things that may hold value, grow in value, or help create income over time.

We had already written about our family conversations around assets and liabilities. You can read that article here: Financial Education for Kids: Teaching Assets and Liabilities.

Once the idea of assets and liabilities was explained to our kids, they could begin to make a more thoughtful money plan. That plan included money for things they wanted, money for giving, and money for buying assets.

Buy Perth Mint Coins as a Real-World Asset Lesson

When children are learning about assets, it helps if the lesson is concrete. Shares, property and business systems can be a bit abstract for young children, but coins are real. They can be held, seen, weighed and discussed.

That is why the idea to buy Perth Mint coins became such an interesting family money lesson. It gave us a way to talk about gold, silver, assets, inflation and long-term thinking in a way the kids could actually picture.

To be clear, this is not financial advice. Families need to do their own research, understand the risks, and make decisions based on their own circumstances. MoneySmart explains that an investing plan should consider your goals, timeframe and risk tolerance, and that diversification helps reduce risk by spreading money across different investments.

For us, the key lesson was not “everyone should buy gold or silver.” The key lesson was that children can learn to think differently about money.

Gold and Silver as One Example of an Asset

Subscribers to this blog may remember that we hosted a Gold and Silver Seminar in Bunbury. Our presenter, Andrew Smith, was a mining engineer, investor and businessman who had been closely involved with the world of gold and silver mining for many years.

He gave several reasons why gold and silver may be worth considering as long-term assets. More importantly for our kids, he gave us some great conversation starters about money, inflation and planning.

First gold coin from Lydia used in a kids money lesson about gold and assets
Gold Coin from Lydia.
Aussie gold coin used to teach kids about assets and long-term money planning
Aussie Gold 2012 Coin.

Gold and silver have been recognised around the world as stores of value for a very long time. Unlike paper currencies, which can lose buying power over time through inflation, precious metals are often discussed as a possible hedge against currency devaluation.

That became an interesting discussion point with the kids. We were not trying to turn them into investment experts. We were simply helping them understand that money has buying power, and buying power can change over time.

The Meat Pie Indicator: Inflation for Kids

Andrew explained inflation using what he called the “Meat Pie Indicator”.

Back in 1970, you could buy a meat pie for around 40 cents. Many years later, the same sort of pie might cost several dollars. That simple comparison helped the kids see that the dollar does not always buy the same amount over time.

That is a very practical way to explain inflation for kids. Rather than starting with economics, you start with something simple: a meat pie.

The money lesson is this:

  • If prices rise, the same amount of cash buys less.
  • If children only save cash and spend on liabilities, they may not build long-term value.
  • If children learn to plan, save and buy assets, they begin to think differently.

This was one of the reasons gold and silver became part of our conversation. It was not just about precious metals. It was about teaching the kids to ask, “What happens to my money over time?”

Buy Perth Mint Coins: Why the Perth Mint Made the Lesson Real

The Perth Mint gave this lesson a real-world connection. Instead of only talking about gold and silver in theory, the kids could see the building, look at coins and bullion, and understand that money can be connected to history, value and planning.

The Perth Mint sells gold, silver and platinum bullion coins, minted bars and cast bars in a variety of sizes. That makes it a useful place for families to explore the idea of precious metals as one possible asset class. You can visit the official Perth Mint bullion page to learn more.

For children, silver may be easier to understand than gold because the price point can be more manageable. A child may not be able to buy a gold coin, but they may be able to save toward a small silver coin or bar.

Again, the aim is not to pressure children into buying precious metals. The aim is to teach them to think:

  • What am I doing with the money I earn?
  • Am I spending everything?
  • Am I saving some?
  • Am I giving some?
  • Am I learning to buy assets?

For our family, the decision to buy Perth Mint coins was really a doorway into better conversations about money, choices and long-term thinking.

Buy Perth Mint Coins, But Teach the Bigger Money Lesson

The keyword may be buy Perth Mint coins, but the bigger lesson is not only about coins. It is about money planning.

Our children needed to understand that earning money through enterprise was only the beginning. Once they had money in their hands, they needed to make decisions. Would they spend it all? Would they save some? Would they give some? Would they set aside money for assets?

This is where a simple three-part money plan can help children.

1. Money for spending

Children still need to enjoy the reward of their work. Buying something they have worked for can be a powerful lesson in effort and reward.

2. Money for assets

This is the part that helps children think long term. Assets might include precious metals, shares, a small business asset, tools for their enterprise, or another age-appropriate example that helps them understand value.

3. Money for giving

Giving helps children connect money with generosity. In our family, this was important because we wanted enterprise to build character, not just cash.

Gold, Silver and Long-Term Thinking

During the seminar, we also discussed why gold and silver can attract long-term interest. People use them for jewellery, coins, bullion, technology and industry. Gold and silver are also often discussed during times when people are concerned about inflation, currencies or financial uncertainty.

These ideas can become quite complex, so for children we kept the lesson simple:

Some things we buy lose value quickly. Some things may hold value for longer.

That distinction is a powerful start.

Indian bridal jewellery used in a gold and silver money lesson for kids
Indian Bridal Jewellery.

In countries such as India and China, gold and silver have long been connected with culture, jewellery, celebrations and family wealth. That gave us another way to talk to the kids about how different cultures think about money, value and assets.

We also talked about silver being used in everyday products and technology. That helped the children see that precious metals are not only shiny objects. They can also have practical uses.

Charts, Prices and Why Children Need Context

The original version of this article included old gold and silver price charts from around 2012. They were useful at the time, but prices change constantly, so I would not want the children to focus only on old numbers.

The better lesson is to help children understand that prices move, markets change, and no asset goes up in a straight line forever.

Gold chart used to teach kids that asset prices change over time
Gold chart used as a discussion starter about changing prices.
Silver chart used in a kids money lesson about assets and price changes
Silver chart used as a discussion starter about long-term value.

That is why we also talked about diversification. Children do not need to understand the whole investment world at once, but they can begin to understand that putting every dollar into one thing may not be wise.

MoneySmart’s investing plan guidance is a useful Australian resource for families because it encourages people to set goals, understand risk, research options and think carefully before investing.

Buy Perth Mint Coins and Set Family Money Goals

The Perth Mint sells gold, silver and platinum, including coins and bullion. For our kids, the most realistic conversation was probably around silver, because gold was much more expensive.

Perth Mint building used in a money lesson about buying Perth Mint coins and assets
The Perth Mint helped make the money lesson feel real.

Our kids now had new goals. Their goals were broken into three parts:

  • a part for buying things they wanted,
  • a part for buying assets,
  • and a part for tithing or giving.

That simple structure helped them see that money does not have to disappear as soon as it is earned. Whether children eventually buy Perth Mint coins, save toward a business tool, or choose another asset later, the important lesson is that they are learning to plan.

A Four-Part Money Box for Kids

One practical tool that can help children is a money box divided into sections. Some families use jars, envelopes or labelled containers. The point is to help children physically separate their money into different purposes.

For example, children might divide their money into:

  • Spend — for things they want now.
  • Save — for bigger goals.
  • Invest — for assets or future opportunities.
  • Give — for generosity, tithing or causes they care about.
Money box for kids with sections for saving spending investing and giving
A divided money box can help children plan where their money goes.

Buy Perth Mint Coins as Part of a Bigger Financial Education

When we talk about how to buy Perth Mint coins, we are really talking about a much bigger financial education.

We are teaching children to pause before spending everything. We are teaching them to ask better questions. We are teaching them to think about the future. We are teaching them that money can be used for enjoyment, generosity and long-term goals.

The real win is not whether a child buys a silver coin, a gold coin, shares, tools for a small business or another asset later on. The real win is that they begin thinking like someone who plans.

Key Takeaway: Buy Perth Mint Coins to Teach Planning

Key takeaway: Learning how to buy Perth Mint coins can be a practical way to start a bigger family conversation about money planning, assets, liabilities, saving, giving, inflation and long-term thinking.

Where to Next?

Have you used coins, jars, money boxes or real-world experiences to teach your children about saving, giving and buying assets? We would love to hear your ideas in the comments.

Entrepreneurship for Students: How Do Entrepreneurs Think?

Enterprise For KidsTeam Mindset, Confidence & Leadership, Raising Entrepreneurial Kids , , , , , , , , , 7 Comments
Jai Howitt discussing his entrepreneurial journey on The Pocket with Chris Griffen

Entrepreneurship for students is not just about starting a business. It is about learning how to think differently, spot opportunities, solve problems, take action and build confidence in the real world.

When children learn how entrepreneurs think, they begin to see that their ideas matter. They also begin to understand that money, work, creativity and contribution can be approached in a very different way.

Entrepreneurship for students shown through Jai Howitt coaching Chayse on business strategy
Jai coaching Chayse through business strategy and entrepreneurial thinking. Watch Jai coach Chayse.

Entrepreneurship for Students: How Do Entrepreneurs Think?

In an earlier article, we spoke of charitable entrepreneurs and successful business thinkers such as Richard Branson, Warren Buffett and John Templeton.

They, together with many other successful people, have extraordinary stories to tell about their entrepreneurial journeys. Some will tell you they struggled at school, dropped out, were dyslexic, or found reading and writing difficult. Others came from homes of poverty, while some were born into families where business and enterprise were already part of everyday life.

Although their backgrounds and circumstances differed, one thing often remained the same: they thought in a similar way.

It is not circumstance alone that creates an entrepreneur. It is mindset.

That is why entrepreneurship for students matters. Young people need more than information. They need the chance to develop the kind of thinking that helps them create opportunities, make decisions, solve problems and take responsibility for their future.

Why Entrepreneurial Thinking Matters for Families

What we have come to understand is that for our family to become economically and personally free, we need to question our conditioning around money and then reprogram our subconscious minds with a new success money mindset.

Many wealthy and successful people either developed this mindset from their upbringing, or they discovered it for themselves. Sometimes this happened consciously, through study and self-development. At other times, it happened unconsciously through experience, environment and action.

It is often said that only a small percentage of people live with real economic and personal freedom. The bigger question is this: what do they do differently?

More to the point: how do entrepreneurs think?

Before we look deeper into that, consider this.

Entrepreneurship for Students Starts with Money Mindset

Wealth creation and poverty mindset lesson for students
The way children think about money can shape the opportunities they see.

Whether we like it or not, we are being conditioned constantly to think a certain way about money. We are conditioned by our family, schools, advertising, politicians, television, social media and friends.

Many people become tied to jobs and debt because the conditioning they have received favours a money mindset of lack, rather than abundance.

Do any of the following sound familiar?

  • “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
  • “Money is the root of all evil.”
  • “You’ve got to work hard for your money.”
  • “Get a good, well-paying job and you’ll be set for life.”
  • “Buy a home, it will be your best investment ever.”
  • “We can’t afford it.”
  • “What job do you want to do when you grow up?”
  • “Go for the cheaper ones.”

Only this morning, I was listening to a friend talking with his teenage sons. He told them they needed to get jobs. He explained that he had a job pushing shopping trolleys at their age. He even went down to the local IGA supermarket and picked up applications for them to apply for jobs.

When I was fifteen, I started out with a casual job working at a Target store. My hourly rate was $2.90 an hour.

All of the above are examples of conditioning. Much of our thinking about money, work and possibility is formed very early in life.

What Schools Often Teach About Work and Money

Our schools are largely designed to prepare workers for the workforce. Banks make money by selling debt. Governments collect taxes and often depend on people staying within predictable systems. Retail businesses make money by encouraging us to spend. Big businesses need workers to build their businesses.

There is definitely a design to much of this madness.

That does not mean jobs are bad. It also does not mean every child needs to become a business owner. However, it does mean young people should know there are other pathways.

They should understand that work, money, creativity and contribution can be approached in different ways.

This is why financial education for kids is so important. Children need to learn about money, value, assets, liabilities, work, enterprise and choice before they enter adulthood.

Entrepreneurial Mindset for Young People

What our family has discovered is that our money mindsets are changing. We are learning that it is okay to accept money and to have money. In fact, it is okay to offer something of value to others and receive payment in return.

Working hard in a job is not the only pathway for young people entering our big world.

There are other ways. These pathways can allow young people to follow their passions and dreams while making a meaningful contribution to whatever they consider important.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if all our kids could achieve economic and personal freedom?

People who have achieved financial freedom through being entrepreneurial tend to have a mindset of abundance. Their habits differ. Their thinking differs. Their actions differ.

This is why we keep coming back to the bigger idea of raising entrepreneurial kids. It is not just about business. It is about helping children become confident, capable, creative and resourceful.

How Entrepreneurs Think: Lessons from Napoleon Hill

Napoleon Hill Think and Grow Rich entrepreneurial mindset lesson
Napoleon Hill studied how successful people think and act.

Rather than attempting to explain every detail of how entrepreneurs think, I will refer to one of the most influential books ever written on personal and financial achievement.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill was originally published in 1937. Hill spent his life studying successful people and recording how they think and act. He became successful himself by following the distinctions in his own book and by modelling himself on his mentors.

Think and Grow Rich is essentially a book about what to do and how to do it. It explores ideas such as self-direction, organised planning, autosuggestion, mastermind association, self-analysis and the selling of personal services.

The thirteen steps to riches described in the book offer a philosophy of individual achievement that has influenced thousands of people’s lives.

This book could be worth a great deal to you and your kids, not simply because of the money ideas, but because of the thinking behind them.

At the time of this original article, Cathy was rewriting Napoleon Hill’s book in a way that would be suitable for kids to read, with simple explanations and modern examples they could better relate to. It was a work in progress, built around the idea that children should be able to understand powerful success principles in language that makes sense to them.

You can also learn more about Napoleon Hill’s work through the Napoleon Hill Foundation.

Entrepreneurship for Students in Real Life

For our family, entrepreneurship for students has never been just a theory. It has been something we have tried to encourage through conversations, real-life projects, mentoring and practical action.

Looking back now, we can see how these early conversations about entrepreneurial thinking have carried through into real life. The goal was never just to teach our children about business. It was to help them become confident, resourceful young people who could spot opportunities, solve problems and take action.

Today, we see that continuing as Jai shares business ideas and strategy with his younger brother Chayse, passing on what he has learnt through his own entrepreneurial journey.

Jai has gone on to build his own entrepreneurial path through creative work, content and business. You can see part of that journey through Art of Mondays.

Key Takeaway: Teach Students to Think Like Entrepreneurs

Key takeaway: Entrepreneurship for students is about far more than making money. It is about helping young people think differently, understand value, recognise opportunity, solve problems and take action in the real world.

Where to Next?

If you enjoyed this article about entrepreneurship for students and entrepreneurial thinking, you may also like:

We would love to hear your thoughts. How do you think entrepreneurs think differently, and how can we help children develop that mindset while they are still young?

An Entrepreneur’s Conscience!

Enterprise For KidsTeam Mindset, Confidence & Leadership, Raising Entrepreneurial Kids , , , , , , , , , , , 12 Comments
Toddler dressed like a businessman representing Kidpreneurs learning enterprise and generosity

Kidpreneurs can learn far more than how to make money. When children start small enterprises, they can also learn generosity, responsibility, confidence, persistence and the importance of using money wisely.

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This article began with a conversation I had with a dear friend. Her children were inspired by our Enterprise for Kids stories, but she raised a thoughtful question: should children be encouraged to make money for themselves, or should enterprise always be connected to giving?

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Child celebrating a Kidpreneurs enterprise lesson about making money and giving generously
Enterprise for Kids was created to inspire children to think bigger, take action and learn real-world money lessons.

Kidpreneurs: Can Kids Make Money and Still Be Charitable?

I was talking with a dear friend and asked what she thought of our Enterprise for Kids blog. She said it was very well done and that her kids were inspired by our children’s enterprise experiences.

Her children had read every blog post and watched every video. Then her nine-year-old daughter sat down and planned an enterprise of her own, following many of the lessons we had shared on the blog.

Wow!

That is exactly the kind of inspiration we hoped to encourage, especially with kids. We wanted children to see other children having ideas, taking action, learning from real experiences and discovering that they could create something of their own.

What Happened Next Surprised Me

Child frustrated while learning a Kidpreneurs money lesson about enterprise and generosity
Children can feel confused when adults send mixed messages about money, enterprise and giving.

My friend explained that she liked the idea of enterprise, but she was not comfortable with children having an enterprise where they make money for themselves.

I was a little taken aback when she said this. I had never really thought that some people might believe children should not make money from their own efforts unless it was all being given away.

I was also grateful that my friend was honest enough to share her belief. It helped me better understand her thinking, but it also helped me clarify my own.

Firstly, there is no right or wrong in what people believe or do. Everyone is entitled to their views, and I respect my friend’s view.

After this enlightening conversation, I came to realise how far our own mindset around money had changed since we started searching for economic and personal freedom. It also made me think deeply about something I now call the entrepreneur’s conscience.

Kidpreneurs Need a Healthy Money Mindset

If children are going to become confident, capable and generous, they need a healthy money mindset. That means they need to learn that money is not bad, enterprise is not selfish, and making money does not automatically make someone greedy.

Money is a tool. Like any tool, it can be used well or poorly.

A child who learns to earn money can also learn to save, give, invest, spend wisely and support causes they care about. In fact, earning their own money may give children a stronger understanding of generosity because they know the effort that went into creating it.

That is an important lesson for Kidpreneurs.

Money mindset quote for Kidpreneurs learning about enterprise and generosity

Wealthy entrepreneurs often think differently about money. Generally, I would also say that many are not selfish. Of course, some wealthy people are selfish, just as some people without wealth are selfish too.

But many successful entrepreneurial people have persisted with their goals, taken risks, created value, employed people and then used their wealth to support causes they believe in.

It is much easier to be charitable when you have resources. Many people who are struggling to make ends meet simply do not have the time, energy or money to make larger contributions to the world, even if they have a generous heart.

Entrepreneurs and Charitable Giving

Warren Buffett is one example of an entrepreneur and investor who has made philanthropy a major part of his life. On his Giving Pledge page, he states that more than 99% of his wealth will go to philanthropy during his lifetime or at death.

Sir John Templeton is another example. He created the John Templeton Foundation, which supports research and conversations around big questions connected to science, philosophy, theology, character, freedom and human purpose.

Warren Buffett as an example of charitable giving and entrepreneur conscience
Warren Buffett.
John Templeton as an example of philanthropy and values-based entrepreneurship
John Templeton.

These examples matter because they challenge the idea that enterprise and generosity are opposites.

In many cases, enterprise can actually make generosity possible on a much larger scale.

Can Making Money Help Children Become More Generous?

Only last week I was speaking with a new entrepreneur friend who lives in Perth. He had created tremendous wealth developing property, mostly in the Western Australian mining town of Port Hedland.

He explained that he no longer needed to work in the same way and could now channel his energy into his passion. He was planning to take his young family to America, where he had enrolled in a Theology university course. From there, he hoped to do mission work in Africa.

Being a successful entrepreneur was allowing him to follow his charitable dream.

That really stayed with me.

If we teach children that making money is selfish, we may unintentionally close their minds to the possibility that wealth can be used to serve, support, create and give.

However, if we teach Kidpreneurs that enterprise comes with responsibility, we can help them develop both capability and conscience.

The Entrepreneur’s Conscience

Entrepreneur conscience quote for Kidpreneurs learning about money and giving

It could be argued that entrepreneurs may have more freedom, more time, less stress, better health, more travel and more opportunities for their families than those of us tied tightly to a job and debt.

That is not always true, of course. Many entrepreneurs work extremely hard, especially in the early stages.

But successful enterprise can create options. It can create space. It can create time. It can create resources. And when people have more options, they are often in a better position to make a difference.

So, do successful entrepreneurs have an entrepreneur’s conscience?

Some do, and some do not. But the point for children is this: conscience can be taught alongside enterprise.

We can teach kids how to make money and how to think about others. Those two lessons belong together.

Teaching Kidpreneurs to Give

I would like to thank my friend for helping me consider my views on the entrepreneur’s conscience. I certainly value the importance of teaching kids enterprise, and I also strongly support the idea that enterprising kids should be taught to be charitable.

Our view is that children need to walk before they can run.

For us, it is okay for our kids to begin with a “selfish” goal, because that is often what motivates them at the time to take action and learn the entrepreneurial skills necessary to succeed.

A young child may first want to make money for a toy, a game, a bike, a computer or something else that excites them. That motivation gets them moving.

Then, once they begin learning the skill of earning money, we can help them think about where some of that money could go.

That is exactly the process we taught Chayse, who was four, and Kit, who was seven, when they reset their goals. Their enterprise journey became not only about making money, but also about learning to give.

A Simple Giving Plan for Kidpreneurs

One practical way to teach kids generosity is to create a simple money plan. This does not need to be complicated.

Children can divide their money into a few clear purposes:

  • Spend: money for something they want now.
  • Save: money for a bigger goal.
  • Grow: money for an asset, tool or future enterprise idea.
  • Give: money for charity, tithing, community support or someone in need.

This kind of plan teaches children that money has purpose. It is not just something to grab, spend or hoard.

It can be used to enjoy life, build future options and help others.

For Australian families, it can also be useful to talk to children about choosing causes carefully. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission provides a public charity register families can use when checking registered charities.

The More Values-Based Kidpreneurs We Create, the Better

The more values-based Kidpreneurs we create, the better our world can become.

As we revisit our own children’s entrepreneurial journeys on this blog, we will continue to share the lessons around their entrepreneur’s consciences and how we are teaching them to be charitable.

We do not want children to grow up thinking money is bad. We also do not want them to grow up thinking money is everything.

We want them to understand that enterprise can build confidence, creativity, responsibility and choice. We also want them to understand that with those opportunities comes the chance to contribute.

Key Takeaway: Kidpreneurs Can Earn and Give

Key takeaway: Kidpreneurs can learn to make money and still develop generosity. Enterprise does not have to replace charity. When taught well, it can help children become more capable, responsible and giving.

Where to Next?

What do you think? Should children be encouraged to make money for themselves, give some away, or both? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Teenage Entrepreneur Ideas from Cameron Herold

Enterprise For KidsTeam Mindset, Confidence & Leadership, Raising Entrepreneurial Kids , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Child using a laptop with entrepreneur ideas on the wall for raising enterprising kids

Teenage entrepreneur ideas can come from the most unexpected places. Sometimes the very children who do not fit neatly into the traditional school mould are the ones with the energy, creativity and problem-solving ability to become enterprising adults.

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That is the powerful message I took from Cameron Herold, a successful entrepreneur and speaker who challenges parents and teachers to recognise entrepreneurial strengths in children.

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Cameron Herold sharing teenage entrepreneur ideas and advice for raising enterprising kids
Cameron Herold’s message challenges parents and teachers to recognise entrepreneurial strengths in children.

Teenage Entrepreneur Ideas from Cameron Herold

I was looking for conversations about raising enterprising kids when I came across a very inspirational entrepreneur called Cameron Herold.

Cameron Herold is a successful entrepreneur with an excellent message for parents who want to raise children with entrepreneurial skills. He shares his own life story and also refers to the book Young Bucks: How to Raise a Future Millionaire by Troy Dunn.

What really caught my attention was Cameron’s view that many children with entrepreneurial potential are sitting in classrooms right now, but their strengths are not always being recognised.

Some children do not naturally fit into the regular schooling mould. They may be energetic, intense, talkative, distracted, creative, restless, curious or constantly looking for a different way to do things.

In a traditional classroom, those traits can sometimes be seen only as problems. Cameron’s message is that some of those same traits may also be signs of entrepreneurial thinking.

This does not mean genuine learning, behavioural or health needs should ever be ignored. Parents, teachers and health professionals all have important roles to play. But it does mean we should be careful not to miss the strengths that can sit beside those challenges.

Are Some School Challenges Entrepreneurial Strengths?

Steve Jobs as an example of creative entrepreneurial thinking and innovation
Creative thinkers do not always follow the expected path.

In his talk, Cameron Herold speaks openly and provocatively about children who are labelled as difficult, distracted or different. He argues that some of these children may have the raw traits of future entrepreneurs.

He even uses the line, “Bipolar is the CEO disease,” to make his point that intensity, drive and unusual thinking can sometimes show up in successful entrepreneurs and leaders.

That statement is deliberately provocative, and it should not be taken as medical advice. But the deeper message is worth considering.

What if some children who struggle with the school system are not simply “naughty” or “lazy”?

What if some of them are actually wired to create, sell, lead, negotiate, build, question and solve problems?

As a teacher and parent, this made me think deeply. There are certainly children who love the school system, enjoy academic pathways and are happy to work towards a traditional career. That is wonderful.

But there are also children who do not fit so neatly. For those children, entrepreneurship may offer another pathway to confidence, purpose and success.

Schools Often Prepare Children for Jobs, Not Enterprise

Cameron Herold makes the point that schools rarely teach children how to think like entrepreneurs.

Schools often condition children to fit into jobs, follow instructions, complete tasks, wait for permission and work towards a salary. Those are useful skills in many parts of life, but they are not the only skills children need.

Enterprising kids also need to learn how to:

  • spot opportunities,
  • solve problems,
  • negotiate,
  • sell an idea,
  • communicate clearly,
  • take initiative,
  • manage money,
  • learn from failure,
  • and keep going when things become difficult.

Cameron’s view is that entrepreneurship is not simply an inherited trait. It can be taught, modelled, practised and encouraged.

That is very encouraging for parents. It means we do not need to wait and see whether our children are “born entrepreneurs.” We can help them develop the skills of enterprise through real-world learning.

Robert Kiyosaki quote about entrepreneurship and learning outside the traditional school system

Teenage Entrepreneur Ideas Need Mentors

Entrepreneurs often learn through necessity, observation, family example or mentorship. Some children grow up around business owners and naturally absorb the language of enterprise. Others need someone outside the family to spark that thinking.

That is why mentors, books, videos, real-life stories and practical experiences matter so much.

If we want our children to learn about entrepreneurship, someone needs to teach it. That someone might be a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, family friend, local business owner or online mentor.

This is one of the reasons we created Enterprise for Kids. We wanted our children to see that business, money, creativity and problem-solving were not only adult topics. They were life skills children could begin learning early.

Cameron Herold’s TED Talk on Raising Enterprising Kids

Cameron Herold TED talk about raising kids to be entrepreneurs
Cameron Herold’s TED talk is well worth watching if you are interested in raising enterprising kids.

Cameron Herold offers many excellent suggestions in his talk, “Let’s raise kids to be entrepreneurs”.

If you are following our blog, you are probably a parent who wants to give your children more opportunities and choices in life. That includes helping them develop enterprise skills, money skills and the confidence to think differently.

Cameron’s talk is a must-see. It goes for about 15 minutes, but it contains many ideas that can change the way you see children, schooling and entrepreneurship.

The “Gift of Want”

Young Bucks How to Raise a Future Millionaire book for parents raising entrepreneurial kids
Young Bucks: How to Raise a Future Millionaire.

In his talk, Cameron refers to the book Young Bucks: How to Raise a Future Millionaire by Troy Dunn.

Troy Dunn is also a self-made millionaire and successful entrepreneur. He also happens to be a father of seven children, just like us, so I found his perspective especially interesting.

In the book, Dunn explains that the first prerequisite for a young entrepreneur is the “Gift of Want.”

In other words, children need a real reason to pursue an enterprise idea. They need to want something badly enough to get started and to keep going when things become difficult.

This is such a practical insight for parents.

Many adults want children to be motivated by responsibility, discipline or long-term success. But children are often first motivated by something much more immediate: a toy, a bike, a game, a trip, a pet, an experience, a gift or a personal goal.

That desire can become the starting point for real learning.

From there, parents can guide children into lessons about planning, researching, marketing, pricing, negotiating, saving, giving and following through.

Practical Teenage Entrepreneur Ideas from Cameron Herold

Cameron Herold’s message is not only philosophical. It is also practical. He gives parents ideas for helping children develop entrepreneurial habits at home.

One of his strongest suggestions is to rethink pocket money.

Instead of simply giving children a regular allowance, he suggests teaching them to look for jobs that need doing around the house and then negotiate a fee for completing them.

That small shift teaches children several important enterprise skills:

  • looking for opportunities,
  • noticing problems that need solving,
  • putting forward an offer,
  • negotiating value,
  • completing work properly,
  • and understanding that money is connected to value creation.

That is a far more enterprising lesson than simply receiving a regular payment without needing to think, negotiate or act.

Teach Children to Save, Give and Buy Assets

Cameron also talks about teaching children strong money habits.

One simple idea is to use money boxes or jars with different purposes. For example, children can divide their money into:

  • Giving: money for charity, tithing, community support or helping others.
  • Spending: money for toys, treats or things they want now.
  • Assets: money for savings, investments, tools, equipment or future enterprise ideas.

This teaches children that money has choices attached to it. It is not only for spending. It can also be used to give, grow and create more opportunities.

This connects closely with our own family lessons around teaching children the difference between assets and liabilities.

Use Real Life as the Classroom

One of the most powerful ways to raise enterprising kids is to use real life as the classroom.

When you are in a restaurant, point out good customer service. When you see a strong salesperson, discuss what made them effective. When a business solves a problem well, talk about it. When a product is poorly designed, ask your children how they would improve it.

Encourage your children to:

  • sell unwanted toys,
  • make and sell something small,
  • build inventions,
  • tell stories,
  • practise speaking to people,
  • notice problems around them,
  • and think of ways to create value.

These activities may seem simple, but they build confidence. They help children see themselves as people who can create, solve, serve and earn.

Raising Enterprising Kids Means Seeing Children Differently

Cameron Herold has allowed me, as a school teacher, to see some children in schools differently.

I can see that there are children who love the system and are more than happy to work towards a traditional career. That pathway suits many children well.

But I can also see that there are other children who do not fit so easily into the system. Some of those children may be budding entrepreneurs without knowing it yet.

They need someone to recognise the entrepreneur within them and provide opportunities for those strengths to develop.

This does not mean every child needs to become a business owner. It simply means children deserve the chance to develop enterprise skills: initiative, communication, creativity, leadership, resilience, sales, money management and problem-solving.

Those skills will help them whether they become entrepreneurs, employees, artists, tradespeople, professionals, community leaders or something else entirely.

Key Takeaway: Teenage Entrepreneur Ideas Start With Strengths

Key takeaway: teenage entrepreneur ideas do not always start with a business plan. They often start with noticing a child’s strengths, interests, frustrations and natural ways of thinking. Cameron Herold’s message reminds us to look for the entrepreneur within the child and give that child real opportunities to practise enterprise.

Where to Next?

What entrepreneurial strengths do you see in your child, and how could you give them a real-world opportunity to practise those strengths?

Youth Entrepreneurship: Why Our Kids Wanted to Attend Green SuperCamp

Enterprise For KidsTeam Family Adventure & Real-World Learning, Mindset, Confidence & Leadership, Raising Entrepreneurial Kids , , , , , , , , , , , 6 Comments
Jai and Kaitlin with students at Green SuperCamp Bali learning leadership and youth entrepreneurship skills

Youth entrepreneurship often begins with confidence, leadership and real-world learning experiences. We were delighted that our three eldest children were able to attend Green SuperCamp Bali, where they had life-changing experiences that gave them new understandings and beliefs about themselves.

These experiences will stay with them forever. For Kaitlin, Jai and Flynn, Green SuperCamp was a chance to step outside their comfort zones, meet new people and begin thinking differently about their future.

youth entrepreneurship at Green SuperCamp Bali with Kaitlin in a crowd
Kaitlin attending Green SuperCamp Bali.

Youth Entrepreneurship and Green SuperCamp Bali

Each of our kids applied for a Green SuperCamp scholarship. The scholarships would help us cover the cost of the camp. Kaitlin, Jai and Flynn each wrote why they wanted to attend.

We were very inspired by the passionate words they wrote in their applications. Their writing showed us how much they wanted to grow, learn and take hold of new opportunities.

Below we have some words from Kaitlin. We are very proud of her passion and talent in getting her message across to the organisers of the SuperCamp.

You may also enjoy reading Amber’s Green SuperCamp reflection, where she shares what she learnt from her own camp experience.

Kaitlin’s Green SuperCamp Scholarship Application

Here’s what Kaitlin wrote:

“I am the eldest of seven children in my family. We have been brought up to strive for excellence and to aim as high as we can. My parents have always been determined to give us kids the best opportunities possible to get the best out of life.

This year I have started year 11, and have found it quite difficult. I have been held up by limitations of my time and motivation. I would love to attend the “Green Super Camp” in order to break these barriers. I want a life where I can be a role model and inspiration for my siblings and others. I want to be able to contribute to the world and show so many people a way to be free, but I’m still trying to work out how to get there.

youth entrepreneurship and confidence building at Green SuperCamp Bali
Kaitlin taking part in confidence-building activities at Green SuperCamp Bali.

I’m so keen to develop a mindset for success. I want to meet new people from around the world, and absorb their confidence and energy. My goal is to become a school prefect or Head Girl and to be accepted into University.

To do this I need to understand and learn about myself. I want to know what it takes to be a leader and to be confident in myself to be one.

If I receive this Scholarship, I would be determined, open and ready, to absorb all the information possible for me to be the best person I can and to motivate others to be the same. This is an experience of a lifetime, and I’m ready for it now.”

Why Youth Entrepreneurship Starts with Confidence

Kaitlin’s words show that youth entrepreneurship is not only about starting a business. It is also about confidence, leadership, courage and the willingness to grow.

Before children can step into real-world opportunities, they often need to believe they are capable. Experiences like Green SuperCamp can help young people see themselves differently.

For Kaitlin, the camp offered a chance to break through barriers, meet inspiring people and learn tools that could help her become a stronger leader.

Real-World Learning for Young Entrepreneurs

Green SuperCamp gave our kids the opportunity to learn outside the normal classroom. They were challenged physically, emotionally and socially.

These kinds of experiences matter because young entrepreneurs need more than ideas. They need confidence, communication skills, resilience and the ability to take action.

For more information about the broader Green School Bali philosophy, you can read our earlier post on Green School Bali Leading the Way.

You can also visit Green School Bali to learn more about their approach to education and sustainability.

Youth Entrepreneurship Through Leadership and Action

When children attend camps, join projects, speak up, set goals and work with others, they are building many of the same skills needed for youth entrepreneurship.

They learn to take responsibility. They practise courage. Most importantly, they begin to see that their actions can make a difference.

Kaitlin wanted to be a role model for her siblings and others. That desire to contribute, lead and grow is a powerful foundation for future enterprise.

Key takeaway: Youth entrepreneurship begins long before a child starts a business. Confidence, leadership, goal setting and real-world learning all help children believe they can create opportunities and contribute to the world around them.

Where to Next?

If you enjoyed this post about youth entrepreneurship and Green SuperCamp Bali, you may also like:

You will have to wait for the next blog to discover what each of them learnt from their camp experience! Until then…

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