Hong Kong children learn entrepreneurship on their own
But clinical psychologist worries that the greatest impediment to success may be fear of failure
Entrepreneurship can teach children a range of skills from creativity to critical thinking and problem solving, yet there are potential challenges for young people and their parents, according to a clinical psychologist.
Dr Quratulain Zaidi said starting a business posed an opportunity for Hong Kong children to use their imagination in an environment that has become too focused on academic results, but that children may struggle if they face failure.
“Kids don’t know how to deal with setbacks, [so] helping your child to work through the setback is an amazing opportunity for learning,” Zaidi said.
Hong Kong is already a pressured environment, especially within the expat community, Zaidi warned, as children of high achievers are expected to reach similar goals.
When a young person does find success in business, that child may feel pressure and anxiety to repeat or extend that milestone, Zaidi said.
This potential cause of stress makes it important for parents to talk to their children and help out when needed.
For parents, a child’s interest in entrepreneurship can also be a learning point if they choose to step back and allow their offspring to do things their own way.
“We are a generation of parents who think that we are essential,” she said. “We have to constantly be present … and make everything right for them, so they never learn how not to succeed sometimes.”
Chicky Bhavnani, mother of 10-year-old Kamakshi Bhavnani who runs a club for kids called Lil’ Explorers and is now working on an “Uber for food” business concept, said she now gives her daughter the space to express her creativity.
“I don’t get myself involved in [Lil’ Explorers] at all because when I’ve seen her do creative stuff, it is always when she’s done it alone,” she said.