We did not know the family business was our parents creative canvass. Just think of how many times you haven t heard entrepreneurs say they wanted their kids to follow in their footsteps. Children of entrepreneurs remember all the times Mom or Dad didn t come home for dinner, missed a performance in a school play or concert, or had to cancel a family outing because of business. And today, we have built on the example. Now there are fewer family dinners or meetings where meaningful conversation about the business can take place.
Most parents never share the joys of entrepreneurship with the kids.
We heard or now share the inside scoop with our family, and the picture painted often leaves an unfavorable impression of business ownership. Consolidation, affluence, education and limited encouragement may have combined to weaken generational succession of family businesses. Think independence instead of consolidation. Money is not the goal freedom of choice is more important. Educate the kids about the business you served that now serves you.