The quiet student: How involving children in business boosts their development
Last year, I attended a community development meeting organized by our community manager, Jacob. To my surprise, Jacob brought along his young son, who is about 16, to every single meeting. Initially, I thought Jacob was simply stuck with babysitting duties, unable to find someone to look after Ethan during these crucial sessions. However, over time, I began to notice something remarkable about Ethan’s presence.
Ethan was always quiet, a notebook in hand. He observed intently, scribbling notes and occasionally glancing around the room with a keen, almost professional interest. His behaviour intrigued me, so one day, I decided to engage him in conversation during a break.
Ethan, though young, had absorbed a significant amount of information from these meetings. He could discuss community issues with a surprising level of understanding and even offered fresh perspectives on some of the topics we had been grappling with albeit lacking in professionalism-based insight. It was clear that Ethan was learning a lot more from being present in these real-world situations than he ever could from simply listening to vocal advice or sitting in a classroom.
Jacob’s approach to involving Ethan in his work environment is a practice that more parents should consider. Here are some compelling reasons why bringing your children into your business world can be immensely beneficial:
Mental development through exposure
Children exposed to adult conversations, problem-solving sessions, and strategic discussions tend to develop critical thinking skills much earlier than their peers. These real-world experiences challenge their minds, encouraging them to think deeply, ask questions, and understand complex concepts.
Real-life business experience
Involving kids in business activities provides them with hands-on learning experiences that are invaluable. They witness firsthand how decisions are made, how conflicts are resolved, and how teamwork is essential to achieving goals. This practical experience can ignite their interest in various fields, help them discover their passions, and even guide their future career choices.
Ethan’s quiet note-taking was not just a passive activity. It was an active learning process where he was internalizing the discussions and understanding the practical aspects of community management. This kind of real-life experience is something textbooks can never fully replicate.
Building self-esteem and confidence
Children who are regularly involved in adult environments tend to develop higher self-esteem and confidence. They learn to communicate effectively with adults, understand the value of their contributions, and see themselves as capable individuals. This positive self-image is crucial for their overall development and future success.
If you’re considering bringing your child into your business environment, here are some tips to make the experience enriching for them and manageable for you:
- Create a welcoming environment: Ensure that your workplace is safe and welcoming for your child. Introduce them to your colleagues and explain their presence.
- Assign simple tasks: Give your child small, manageable tasks to keep them engaged. This could be taking notes, organizing materials, or even contributing ideas.
- Encourage observation and questions: Foster a culture of curiosity. Encourage your child to observe keenly and ask questions about what they see and hear.
- Provide mentorship: Take the time to explain the various aspects of your work and why certain decisions are made. This mentorship can significantly enhance their learning experience.
- Balance work and fun: Ensure that the experience remains enjoyable for your child. Incorporate breaks and fun activities to keep them motivated and interested.
Bringing your child into your business environment might seem challenging at first or pointless, but the benefits are manifold. Children can gain a wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and self-confidence from these opportunities. By involving your kids in your business and meetings, you are not only preparing them for the future but also enriching their presence in meaningful ways.
As parents, let’s embrace this approach and watch our children flourish as they learn, grow, and contribute to the world around them.
