It seems that lemonade stands are the summer business of choice among the younger set. For whatever reason, kids love the idea of selling lemonade in little plastic cups. Maybe it’s all that change jingling around … or maybe it’s just that they “have a job.”
And if you ask them why they like to do it, they really can’t articulate it. The answer is often, “Because I like it!”
So, how can you help foster these little entrepreneurs, while still keeping their budding business in check? Keep it simple and let them be in charge. Depending on the age of your children, you might even encourage them to think about things like cost vs. profit and ways to expand the draw of their stand (such as, would homemade brownies draw more customers?).
1. Make a Plan. How will they set up their stand? What do they need? Have your kids make their own list and only remind them of things if it’s a critical ingredient (like the lemons for the lemonade).
2. Make the Lemonade. Will they only sell lemonade? Or will they sell cookies, brownies, or pretzels, too? Help them collect and price out their wares. And, help them mix up their lemonade … especially if they will be making it from scratch. Otherwise, you might end up with a pitcher filled with sugar.
3. Let Them be Boss. It can be hard to let the kids take the reigns. But the truth is, they’ll learn more from the experience—and enjoy themselves more—if they’re running the show. And as long as they aren’t in any danger and they’re being polite to those who stop to purchase something, there’s no harm in sitting back and reading a good book while they run the stand.
photo credit: eat-la.com
