Six Tips To Encourage Kids To Become The Entrepreneurs Of The FutureNot only will these tips help children become capable of becoming a successful entrepreneur, but more importantly, a well-rounded and socially conscious member of society.

ByAnisa Ismail

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock

Walking into an airport, or a mall, or a restaurant, it isn't odd to see young children playing with some sort of electronic devices, whether it's an iPad or a cell phone, or watching something on a television screen. On the contrary, it's often an even odder sight to see a child playing with toy cars, or brushing a doll's hair, whilst waiting for their kids' meal at a restaurant.

Recent studies have shown that the amount of time young children spend on electronic devices has tripled in the last four years alone. Further studies have shown that young children eight years and younger, spend on average up to four to five hours per day on electronic devices. These numbers are set to increase as the years progress.

As we move onto what is predicted to be a tech-dominated future, how do we prepare our children to acquire the key skills they need to be creative, imaginative, innovative, while staying unique to their individualism? Well, worry not.KidzUnpluggedhas got you covered. We have six main tips to help your family encourage that young mind to become a future CEO.

Related:BizWorld UAE: Preparing MENA's Future Generations For Their Entrepreneurship Journey

1. Encourage more time spent on hobbies and talentsWhat other things does your child like that aren't centered around technology? What sports clubs can they sign up for? If your child is great at a sport or is a talented artist, it's best to nurture and develop it whilst they are still young.

2. Model creativityChildren are more likely to do whatever they see is being done around them. As a parent, this is great time to tap into your own hobby or talent.Children tend to enjoy feeling genuine creativityand encouragement from their surroundings. You may find yourself enjoying the feeling of being a kid yourself.

3. Accept messinessWhen children are really in their "zone" of ample fun, they tend to make a mess. Most times, it's a mess they understand and may have created on purpose. Allocate a certain area in the home that is all theirs, and where they can create freely, and "clean up time" can be done when they are done. Interrupting their mess can interrupt their creativity.

4. Networking is for young children tooWhen we hear the word "networking," we often pair it with a professional setting. But actually, children who are socially comfortable, often grow up to be great communicators and leaders. The next time you go on a family vacation, hit up the resort kids club; its great place for children from different parts of the world to interact.

5. Point out the small stuff around usMost children are born inquisitive (we all know how many times they are able to ask why!), but often lose this trait as they get older, and more so as they learn about something called Google. But you can easilyprovoke inquisitive thinking in small childrenby asking them their thoughts about things like, why clouds are not fully circle shaped or why flowers are colored differently. You'll be amazed at their answers, and remember it doesn't have to be wrong or right- it just needs to be their own thought process.

6. Acceptance of who they areChildren blossom freely once they are able to be who they are. Encouraging this from an early age, not only builds confidence, but opens up ways for children to be more accepting of others around them. All qualities needed for a great leader.

These tips are just some of many more amazing things you can do with your children. Not only will they be capable of becoming a successful entrepreneur, but more importantly, a well-rounded and socially conscious member of society.

Related:让孩子们To Have An Entrepreneurship Education

Wavy Line
Anisa Ismail

Founder of KidzUnplugged

Anisa Ismail is the founder ofKidzUnplugged, a technology free creative play for young children. She provides workshops and products for families to encourage young children to decrease time spent on electronic devices, such as iPads and phones. She was an English Teacher in Abu Dhabi for six years. She resigned from her post to pursue her passion- KidzUnplugged. Ismail is an award-nominated entrepreneur who hopes to one day take her company global.

Related Topics

Business Ideas

The Top 10 Home Business Ideas for 2023

Can't figure out which enterprise you should launch in 2023? Check out 10 stellar home business ideas to get inspiration.

Growth Strategies

With A Goal To Fully Decarbonize The Last-Mile Industry, UAE-Based One Moto Secures US$40 Million In Lease Financing

With a goal to fully decarbonize the last-mile industry, the startup aims to introduce 50,000 electric delivery vehicles in the UAE by 2025.

Starting a Business

10 Common Obstacles to Avoid When Starting a Business

Starting a new business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common obstacles to avoid when starting a new business.

Technology

The Silent Revolution: Striking A Balance Between Innovation And Regulation

Silently and gradually, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our lives, seamlessly weaving its way into our daily routines, in ways we could never have imagined.

Finance

Germany's GIZ And Switzerland's Seedstars Launch Joint Initiative To Develop Palestine's Fintech Landscape

While 60% of adults have bank accounts in Palestine, only around 10% utilize credit products, resulting in limited financial literacy and offerings. Similarly, SMEs make up 95% of all business but contribute to just 16.4% of the Palestinian Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Finance

How To Build A Profitable Accountancy Business (From An Accountant Who Did Just That)

When you're an entrepreneur, running a business is your first job, and you'll probably do very little actual accounting as you grow. So, if you love the front-line work, you might need to think again.