It’s the most wonderful time of the year again (for parents at least): back to school! In light of that, we thought we’d take a look at what kids can learn from entrepreneur parents.

We know, of course, that kids learn a lot by example. And there are a lot of valuable lessons they can pick up right at home just by watching their moms and dads run their own business.

Be Resourceful

Anyone who’s ever successfully (or unsuccessfully) run a business knows that you often need to think outside the box, make quick decisions, and always have a backup plan. By using the right resources readily available, an entrepreneur learns early on that things can change for better or worse at a moment’s notice. By working with what you already have, you can adapt quickly to any given situation and turn it to your advantage. Teaching your kids to think on their feet and use some creativity when necessary can help them learn to adapt to changes in employment, finances, and relationships down the road.

Manage Your Time

Successfully balancing our work with our personal lives is one of the biggest challenges any working parent faces. Set a good example for your kids by being able to separate the two when necessary to give each the focus it deserves. If you’re spending quality time with your family, for example, don’t let work distract you until that family time is over. By the same token, try to resist the temptation to let non-work activities distract you during work hours. By showing your kids that there’s a time for work and a time for play, you can set a good example of how to manage their time between schoolwork and other, more fun activities. Finding and committing to the right balance can help reduce procrastination and distraction.

Learn Resiliency

If your child is the type who’s sensitive and easily upset, a good way to teach them resiliency is by setting your own example. Running a business can be incredibly frustrating and stressful. The financial ups and downs can take their toll on even the most experienced business owners. You can show your kids how to ride those ups and downs by dealing with them in healthy, positive ways. While it’s not easy (or realistic) to expect that you’ll always remain calm and optimistic about the future in the face of adversity, it’s nonetheless a good opportunity to teach your kids about the curveballs that life can throw at them. By showing them how to roll with the punches, they’ll learn that setbacks aren’t the end of the world and in fact can even sometimes create new opportunities.

Never Stop Learning

Just because we grow up doesn’t mean we don’t still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to running a business. Look at every day as a chance to learn something new that can help you run your business better. Encourage your kids to learn something new every day as well. After all, knowledge is power. Learning valuable lessons from our families, our businesses, and even our mistakes ensures that we continue to grow and evolve as business owners and as parents.  Once we stop learning, we stop growing.

Ask For Help

The old saying “It takes a village” is true when it comes to both parenting and running a business. A great lesson to teach our children is that they don’t have to bear the burden of making tough decisions alone. While asking others for help makes some people feel more vulnerable, it doesn’t signify weakness. Rather, it shows strength of character, flexibility, and self-awareness. No one can do it all on their own, not even the most successful business owners. Asking for help from the people you trust the most can not only help keep your business running smoothly and efficiently, it can set a great example to your kids that they don’t need to have all the answers in life.

So entrepreneur parents, take note: as your kids head back to school, remember that some of the most valuable lessons they’ll learn in life will come from you and the examples you set for them!