The Business of Family-by John C. Preiss

It is very important that we teach our children at an early age about finances. I have written before on finances for children but this article is a bit different.
The business of family can mold together a family and help a family grow for a common purpose. I am not only the Executive Director for the Fatima Family Aposolate International but I also have rental property and a construction business. On top of all of this my wife sews and sells veils and mantillas online. As you can see my family is very much in the family business. I often think about the future and have come to the realization that my children will have many opportunities to be creative and to grow these businesses from their mother and father. Many children in the world have similar opportunities but they lack the Christian perspective behind it. In order for children to come into a family business, communication is key. We must give them a reason and a value to be apart of theses businesses. We all have experienced situations from friends and other family members for example; a son will inherit a business that has been up and running for thirty years and when he takes over the reigns in a matter of 3 years the business is closed. Why does this happen? First, because his father did not teach him how to be successful. Second he did not learn how to handle financial situations properly.
With this said we should still encourage or children into our businesses. If they honestly do not want to be apart of it because they want to be a Doctor, Lawyer or Priest that is understandable. We must not force them into the business but we must explain to them the value of carrying on the family business.
Another problem that exists in family businesses is that the parents may take advantage of the labor of the children and not pay them like a employee should be paid and this is wrong. Christianity must be a vital part of any business and this practice must be formed in the children.
I am filled with excitement for my children because I realize the opportunities they will have in the future. They will be taught honesty, compassion and charity and hopefully they will teach this to their children and their childrens children.