Helping kids start a summer business actually encourages play, imagination and gives them a way to express their own creativity. There are so many ways to set out on adventures and make the most of the slower paced days of summer. We want to fill the days with jumping in the water, riding bikes, running through sprinklers and having picnics. Those classic ideas are fabulous, but they are not the only way to enjoy the hours off of school.
Radio Flyer 100 Days of Summer
I’ve teamed up with Radio Flyer to celebrate 100 days of summer. When my husband and I were recently exploring the Radio Flyer site and looking at the Kid’s Travel Agency they set up to celebrate their 100 years of inspiring imaginative play and unforgettable adventures, we visited their shop to pick out our own wagon so our kids could explore their creative dreams this summer. We wanted to make this a big surprise for our children.
While considering their products – many customizable – we decided we would go full steam ahead on the build-a-wagon. What inspired it? My husband. We were looking at the build-your-own wagon, trike, horse, scooter, and balance bike as potential items. As my husband was pursuing the options with me, a wave of nostalgia came over him instantly. He was suddenly transported to his own childhood with memories of pulling his Radio Flyer wagon around the neighborhood as he went door to door washing cars. He was all in at that point.
We looked at the potential tire sizes. The biggest monster tires were compelling. The classic red metal wagon with the wooden sides were definitely what we wanted. We couldn’t resist upgrading the rest. MP3 speaker system? Yes, please! Canopy? Of course. Storage set & Cup Holders? Perfect for our kids and their imaginative play and entrepreneurship spirit. Seat pads? Why not ride in comfort? Customizable name plates? The “Durr Wagon” was born.
There was so much excitement as my kids opened up the box and helped me put our wagon together. As we assembled it, their anticipation grew. You could see their eyes sparkle with thoughts of taking their dolls and stuffed animals and siblings on adventures to the moon and back with only their new toy and imaginations.
Radio Flyer has been inspiring imagination and powering play for 100 years now. Can you believe it? They not only stay on top of great design while still embracing their classic roots and heart for kids, but they are innovative and driven to stay relevant to upcoming generations. The founder of Radio Flyer, Antonio Pasin, had a dream in 1917 to “bring joy to every boy and every girl,” and this company continues to pursue that goal. It’s a timeless symbol of childhood imagination and has remained a loved and trusted brand for 100 years. No wonder my husband was drawn in through his own nostalgic feelings.
Helping Kids Start a Summer Business
Imagination meets ingenuity in the summer when your kids find creative ways to chase entrepreneurship. Businesses can be started to make and save money, or dreams can be pursued to raise money for a cause that is close to your child’s heart. You can encourage generosity by teaching them to donate some or part of their money to help others.
Our new Radio Flyer wagon is the perfect vehicle for helping my kids follow their business dreams. We have a long driveway, so if kids are going to start any kind of stand, they can use the wagon to transport the items. Further, any door-to-door business will need a wagon for carrying items. Even kids being watched while babysitting will be enjoy being pulled around in the wagon. It’s perfect.
There are many steps your kids will want to consider as they jump into their pursuits.
Deciding on a Business
Deciding on a business is the first step for your kids and often times the most exciting. What these choose will depend on their own interests and ideas. If you have kids who want to learn to make money but aren’t sure what they want to do, you can help make some suggestions:
- Lemonade Stand
- Bake Sale
- Wash Cars
- Garden
- Craft Sale – This kills two birds with one stone. Kids create and then learn to sell. My kids have sold homemade bookmarks and jewelry, but they could also make bath bombs, key chains, coasters, lavender sachet bags, candles, pin buttons or DIY magnets.
- Walk Dogs
- Become a Mama’s Helper – I have had mama’s helper before. This is a responsible child who isn’t quite of the age to be able to babysit without parent’s present. He or she plays with the kids while the mom is able to get things done around the house. It costs a mom less than an actual babysitter but helps her gets some relief so she can get other things done.
- Mow Lawns
- Do Housework
Setting Goals
Help kids set goals and yet don’t be controlling in the process. It is summer, and if they decide they want to play more and “work” less, I would be more prone to let them play. I wouldn’t want their pursuits become a battle. However, it is still good to help them set goals. Here are some goals they might decide upon:
- Raise a certain amount of money for a charity
- Earn enough money to buy a certain item
- Pursue a money making opportunity once a week
- Learn something new
Teach the Basics of Pursuing a Business
Some parents might want to provide all of the materials needed to pursue their business, which is fine. Other parents might want to use this as a learning opportunity so kids can really understand the ins and outs of running a business. Therefore, parents might want to provide a loan to purchase initial materials but expect reimbursement, perhaps even with an interest percentage due.
Some parents might want to use this opportunity to teach their children about tithing, giving, taxes, and basic money skills (providing change, adding up multiple purchases, calculator work, etc.).
One of the other concepts you will want to instill in your children is customer service. Teach them to be polite and pleasant. Saying thank you and please while making eye contact and providing a pleasant smile is all a part of being a successful business person and human being.
Make a Plan
Kids will want to prepare for their business. This is all part of the fun, creativity and excitement. Here is what they need to consider:
- Materials Needed
- Set-Up for Business (Door-t0-Door vs. a stand)
- Making Flyers
- Making Signs
- If babysitting, do a CPR or other babysitting course
- Makeng a menu with prices if doing a bake sale
- Get change and money box if running a stand
- Assigning roles if you have kids working together
- Setting prices
- Deciding on amount of needed parental involvement
Cleaning Up
Kids will need to learn that once their job is finished, they will have to clean-up after themselves. This can be the hardest part. If your child is acting as a mama’s helper, he or she will want to know how to have them lead the kids they are watching in cleaning-up. They will want to pack everything away after a stand. Our Radio Flyer wagon was the perfect vehicle for pulling in a lemonade stand, car wash materials, gardening things or craft stand.
Share Your Radio Flyer Story
Whether your kids are going to pursue a business using their Radio Flyer product, join in the imaginative adventure travel inspired by the Radio Flyer video or use their wheels to stay active around the neighborhood, I want to hear about it. I’d love for you to also share your own childhood memories with Radio Flyer. All stories can be shared using the hashtag #radioflyer100.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Radio Flyer. The opinions and text are all mine.