Our topic of discussion today was “How to Make it Financially if You Home School”. Our guest today, Deena Bartel-Wagner has learned to balance all the acts in her life and has taught her children a wonderful work-ethic in the process. Deena has worked as a freelance writer since she began home schooling her three children. In an effort to teach them good stewardship of their time and resources, she encouraged them when they expressed an interest in starting a screen printing company. Out of that interest came a business that was run by her children, and three young adults who are not afraid to work.
I appreciate Deena’s candor today and her practical advice on how each of us can start our own business or mentor our children to do the same. We often underestimate what our kids can do when in reality; they are often very capable and can handle responsibility with grace and ease. Here are a few pointers if you want to get your children started in their own business:
1. Designate a specific time each day to have the kids “work.”
2. Remind them that this is a responsibility and others depend on them.
3. Plan on at least a year to get the business going strong.
4. Plan to put the income earned back into the business for at least that first year.
5. Have a responsible person oversee the accounting–this may work best with an adult helping, especially if your children are young.
6. Choose a name that can grow with your business.
7. Visit your clients rather than having them come to your place of business.
8. Use a different address for your business than your home, and consider installing a separate phone line. It is best to protect your privacy.
9. Set up a Web site to promote your business and attract customers.
10. If it is your child’s business, have them in the forefront. Let them handle what they can handle.
If you want to learn more about Deena and communicate with her, visit her Web site at www.verbaloxygen.com.
God bless!
Candy DeVore
Editor, Kids’ Ministry Ideas Magazine
