Starting A Business As A Teen: How My Parents Nurtured My Passion

As a teen entrepreneur, I can attest to the fact that following your passions, especially at a young age, is nothing but rewarding and enriching.

Having run two businesses and built my social media brand, all whilst honing my love for baking, has proved to be, time and time again, an experience that engulfs me in the best possible way. However, it can never come easily.

Especially as a teenager, the immense support and direction I received from my parents are invaluable, as they have been my standing pillars of guidance. This guide is written from my perspective as the best way that a parent can support their teen to help them hone their passion! Let’s go! 

How Parents Can Support & Motivate Their Kids

Just Being There & Listening To What Your Child Wants

Showing that you are truly interested and want to learn more, by asking questions and valuing your child’s outlook and validating your child’s interests provides constant motivation. Sometimes all they need is for you to listen and appreciate their creativity and imagination and passion.

Encourage Practice And Improvement

By giving your teen time and opportunity to practice regularly and provide feedback that helps them improve. If your teen is interested in music, for example, you could help them find a teacher or a music programme that can help them develop their skills. If they like cooking, let them make that mess if it helps them develop their skills and confidence levels.

Attend Events Related To Your Teen’s Passion

Try and attend events whether it be by yourself, or using it as an opportunity to bond with your teen. This might include concerts, exhibitions, competitions, or performances. Showing support for their interests can help motivate and inspire them. This can also help you learn and understand topics that they are interested in, providing opportunities for discussion and conversation. 

You Need To Have Their Back

For teens with an entrepreneurial spirit, you might have to adopt an increased involvement. Starting a business can be challenging, and teenage entrepreneurs may face setbacks and obstacles along the way. You can provide emotional support by being there to listen, offering encouragement, and helping your teenager stay motivated and focused.

Give Them The Financial Support They Need To Dream

Entrepreneurship is expensive, and you can provide financial support to help your teenagers get their ventures off the ground. This can include providing funding for equipment, materials, or marketing, or offering to invest in their business.

Network Support Is Important

Diverging away from the finances, another imperative facet of growing a business is networking. You can help your teenagers connect with other entrepreneurs, business leaders, and experts in their fields. By introducing your teenagers to people who can provide guidance and support, you can help their teenagers build valuable relationships and expand their network.

Keep Motivating But Don’t Push Too Hard:

Lastly, motivate your child, but never push too hard. At the end of the day, we’re still teens! Encourage us to break out of our comfort zones, but not so much so that we retreat back into our own shells.

And on that note, remember that each teen is different and may need different types of support. The most crucial piece of support, however, is to show your love and support and be there to help guide them as they pursue their passions!