Freedom Of ChoiceDon't force your kids to join the family business -- let them decide.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Expectation is a powerfulrepellent . . . especially in a familybusiness. "If kids grow up thinking everyone expects them tojoin the business, they'll wind up resenting it," saysSheila Strauss, whose two daughters have joined her husband'sfamily business as the fourth generation involved in The StraussInsurance Agency in New York City. Still, the Strausses admit itwas a wonderful feeling when the kids came to the business of theirown free will. "I didn't feel the need to pass the batonwhen they weren't in the business," says Sheila'shusband, Marvin, "but now I'm happy they're here toaccept it."
How can parents be assured their children don't feelpressured but, at the same time, present a choice that'sappealing and might eventually lead to a career in the familybusiness?
Continue reading this article — and all of our other premium content with Entrepreneur+
Join the internet’s leading entrepreneur community! With your subscription you’ll get:
- Access to all of our premium content and an ad-free experience
- Entrepr免费订阅eneur Magazine
- Four free e-books a year and 20% off everything from our bookstore
- Exclusive events with business celebrities and successful entrepreneurs