The Growth of The CEO: Child Executive Officer

Posted by Leena Kollar on 17th Sep 2014

Are you a Shark Tank fan? I am, and I am looking forward to the season premiere on September 26th! I always love watching these passionate, hardworking people stand in front of millionaires to ask for an investment in their (sometimes wacky) businesses. What really stands out, though, are the children who stand in front of the sharks and give a pitch. Some of the childpreneurs I have seen have been as young as 7, maybe even younger. And of course I can't help but wonder if their parents are pushing them to succeed, or if they genuinely want to be successful young CEOs (Child Executive Officers).

Surely at such a young age, these children are not able to comprehend just what it means to be a business owner. Have they even learned how a bank account works? Will they have any time to play with their friends? Will people take them seriously? As supportive as I would like to be as a parent, I think I would be hesitant to encourage my child to start their own company at such a young age. I would not want them to miss out on having a childhood. Of course, if they truly wanted to do it, and I believed they would be successful, shouldn't I let them know they have my support? What are your thoughts? Would you support your aspiring childpreneur, or encourage them to pursue their business endeavors when they are older?