When our son was about 8years old, he came home with N500 from his Entrepreneur club and asked if I could brainstorm with him on what business he could start with that amount.

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I smiled, glad that we decided to introduce financial skills almost 2'years earlier as part of his education, hence his interest in entrepreneurship.

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Well, I asked him to look around him and think of a pain point or a need that people have that he can provide a solution for with N500. 

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After a little thinking here and suggestions there, he decided to start a small juice business to supply fresh organic juice to the boys at his football academy, the people in the neighbourhood and finally families at church on Sundays.

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From 10 bottles of one variant produced and sold that first weekend amidst being shy and a little disappointed when some people said "No" they didn't need any of it, to the confident preteen who produces and sells between 40- 60 bottles of 4 different variants 3years later.

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" Sir we have fresh organic juices in 4 variants, would you like some" he would say to a prospective buyer. 

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" Oh no I don't, thank you." This would be the customer feedback he gets in some occasions.

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"Ok, Thank you, sir" this would be his response in those occasions without a single look of disappointment. And then be moves to the next.

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I have watched him learn to attend to his customers politely, apologise when they complain and offer discounts and compensation when needed. 

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I have watched him take stock of his products and balance his accounts daily. 

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I have watched him use his percentage system to apportion his profits into savings, spending, charity etc...

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Indeed it's been an amazing journey of financial education and nurturing his financial "milk teeth" has been rewarding. We are on to bigger things now, learning never ends around here.

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Studies show that by age 7 children have already formed their money habits and attitudes.Hence, children should start getting financial knowledge as soon as they stop tearing and stuffing money into their mouths. 

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Money is required for everyday life activities from buying food to powering the airconditioning system, buying a car, paying for insurance and even to advance a course amongst other things.

Therefore, teaching children about mone y is a skill that must be taught for them to navigate the world effectively and also create sustainable wealth.

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It is a life skill that requires intentionality, strategies and principles even for children from the richest backgrounds. Wealth is a mindset that must be learnt. 

A poverty mindset can be found even in rich people so don't get carried away .Every child needs to be taught to MAKE, MANAGE AND MULTIPLY money. 

Get ready to be a part of our intensive Financial Class for the very INTENTIONAL parents . Make sure you don't miss it. 

It's time to create a liberating Money Blueprint for your child.

An empowered child is a like an eagle with it wings stretched to soar...

Marybeth Chima

Author & Parent Coach 

The MentorMum.