When DS was 4, he decided he NEEDED (note pleading tone)a laptop computer. I told him that he would have to earn the money himself.
I made him write a business plan and sign a contract on an advance of $200. for day old baby chicks. He made a spreadsheet to track his expenses. When twochicks died, he got a lesson in write-offs.
About a month later, we brought home a box with 100 day old chicks. My son took the responsibility of feeding, watering and keeping the pen clean. I admit to sneaking in behind him, 4 yo's are just not very good with a rake and shovel. When the chicks were 4 months old and beginning to lay eggs, he made flyers which we took to the feed stores to sell chickens. Within about 10 days, he had paid me back for the initial loan, all of the feed and had the money for his laptop.
We didn't use a curriculum, but rather sort of used the "pick and choose" from various websites about starting a business. Everything went into a binder called the great chicken project. It was all very simple. I think his business plan had about two sentences. "I will raise chickens that will lay eggs, When they are old enough, I will sell them and buy a laptop."
Four years later, DS is 8 and still raises chickens every spring. He has learned a lot about how retail works. He now understands profit margins etc. Last year he had to replace one of the heat lamps and was forced to cut into his profits. He has learned an appreciation for what "cost" actually means.
I say go for it!!!
