When we first started throwing the idea of a baking business around with my girls, I emphasized a few major points that would show them the value of their hard work. For one, they would be working to save up for a big item that their mama and pops were not going to buy for them. If they wanted it, they would have to work for it. And in so working, they would understand the effort necessary to earn a wage, i.e. the sweat value in each dollar.
Second, they would learn the social and marketing aspects of business. They delivered their fliers and had to essentially sell their product door to door, talking up the benefits to the customer and the investment the client would be making in a unique educational experience for the girls.
The biggest emphasis for me was making sure they understood this: the opportunity they have to bless others with their time, talent, and income. We live in a free country that allows our children the privilege of education and exploration, unlike millions of children around the world who are forced into labor at a young age for pennies a day or children whose parents cannot provide them an education. They are blessed with healthy bodies and bright minds that are competent for this new endeavor. While still apprentices in mama's kitchen, they are learning valuable skills that can bless and provide for others now and in the future. Having all of these privileges necessary to begin this new enterprise, they would be able to earn another valuable asset which they could also use to bless others.
Halfway through our first fiscal year (our business has a 6 month life span), we began to look over our finances. Having decided to give 20% away, we started shopping for ideas of how we could best spend it. I was eager to get the annual Christmas catalog from Compassion because I knew it was chock full of brilliant ways we could partner with others living in poverty a world away. In the past we've bought a goat, chickens, soccer balls, school supplies, etc. This year, there was an addition just right for us:
Bakery training in El Salvador!
For almost exactly 20% of our income, we were able to provide one child the training necessary to bake and prepare a budget for a business of their own. Knowing that we are working to help another child have the same opportunity we are enjoying was priceless.
Teaching my girls the basics of business is fun but teaching them that giving can truly be better than receiving is by far the best lesson. Seeing as we have been given so much, don't we have so much more to give?