Most of us have politely bought a cup of lukewarm squash from a neighbour’s child or paid a few quid for a car wash that left streaks on the windscreen. We usually do it to be supportive. However, when children decide to start a proper little enterprise, there is a massive difference between getting pity money and actually earning a wage through quality service.
For parents and foster carers, this is a brilliant teaching moment.
Learning to Listen Properly
Children are naturally enthusiastic. They often want to talk at length about the bracelet they made or why their car washing technique is superior. However, the best service starts with closing your mouth and opening your ears.
Encourage them to ask the customer what they actually want before pitching. Does Mrs Jones want the weeds pulled from the flowerbed or just the patio swept? It sounds simple, but shifting their focus from “look at me” to “how can I help you?” is a massive developmental leap. It turns a simple transaction into a relationship, teaching them that their venture exists to solve a problem for someone else.
When Things Go Wrong
Mistakes will happen. A dog might get muddy on a walk, or a batch of cakes might be slightly burnt. How a child reacts to a grumbling customer defines their character more than when things go right. The instinct is often to get defensive or upset.
For children you foster with Foster Care Associates, who might already struggle with feelings of rejection, a complaint can feel disastrous. You have to guide them through the fix. Teach them to say, “I’m sorry, let me sort that out.” It stops them spiralling and shows them that errors are just problems to be solved, not reasons to quit. This resilience is a life skill that applies to far more than just business.
Adding a Bit of Sparkle
Competence is expected, but warmth is remembered. Get your young entrepreneur to think about the tiny details. Maybe it is wrapping a sold item in nice tissue paper or remembering that Mr Smith’s dog likes a scratch behind the ears.
These small gestures cost nothing but add huge value. It teaches children that effort isn’t just about the heavy lifting; it’s about making someone else’s day a bit brighter. That feeling of making someone smile is addictive in the best possible way and teaches them that generosity is a key part of success.
Keeping Your Word
If they say they will be there at 10 am, they need to be there at 10 am. Not ten past. Reliability is rare, even among adults. Instilling this discipline early sets them apart.
It is also a lesson in managing their own capacity. If they are too tired or have homework, they need to learn to say “no” or reschedule politely rather than letting a customer down. This honesty builds trust. For a young person learning to manage their own finances, understanding that being reliable leads to repeat business, and therefore steady income, is a practical lesson in economic stability.
These little ventures are about more than pocket money. They are a sandbox for adult life. When a young person learns to look someone in the eye, listen to their needs, and deliver on a promise, they are building a toolkit for the future.
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