Inspirational Life Lessons For Keiki
Hawaii Biz Kids PHOTO COURTESY DAYNIN DASHEFSKY
Five bucks doesn’t go very far. In my terms, that equates to one fancy dessert disguised as a drink at Starbucks. For my children, $5 vanishes just as quickly as a Venti Caramel Macchiato.
Recently, my son and daughter each received $5 as a gift. We thought we could use the money to teach them a valuable lesson. You see, my daughter sees Mom as her personal bank. She’s always giving me lists of things to buy her, so we thought she should get a taste of shopping on a budget.
No surprise, she decided to spend all of her cash on candy. She grabbed different packs of gum and mints and had a fit when she found out she couldn’t afford everything she wanted. Specifically, a lollipop that was conveniently placed at the cash register. I usually buckle and give in, but I could-n’t this time.
My son, though, picked one sensible snack, a dart toy and had money to spare. While my daughter quickly gobbled up her goodies, my son had the toy to keep him entertained — long after Hana’s sweets were history — and his own “rainy day fund.”
There’s a point here, I promise. While I want to provide for my children, I also want them to learn the value of money and hard work.
Last year, I learned about Hawaii Biz Kids, a prototype program to teach children how to become mini entrepreneurs. Creator Daynin Dashefsky’s goal is to “inspire children’s hearts and creativity so they can learn how to make money doing what they love.”
The three-week program has a strong physical and educational curriculum. In addition to learning the art of selling, how to start a business and powerful public speaking, children are taught Brazilian jiu jitsu and self-defense. As the website says, “Give your child a gift this summer that will last a lifetime. The gift of entrepreneurship and self-worth.”
I was so intrigued by the concept that I featured it in my column last May. With parents now looking at summer options for their children, I sought feedback from those who sent their kids to the first camp.
Daren and Paulette Suzuki credit Hawaii Biz Kids for “enhancing Kaulana and Kawika’s confidence and providing them with lifelong skills that can be applied to school interviews, job interviews, school presentations, etc.”
Kim Kaili also saw impressive changes in her two children. In her words: “What they have learned in the past three weeks is priceless. They are now comfortable talking in front of a crowd, and I can see the confidence they have shining through.”
Kaili’s son even was inspired to create a healthy snack that kids and their parents will enjoy. Now that’s something I would definitely like to teach my daughter.
There are two sessions planned this summer, June 8-26 and July 6-24.
For more information, visit hawaiibizkids.com, call Daynin at 294-6678 or email info@hawaiibizkids.com. tjoaquin@ hawaiinewsnow.com
