By Katie Kreis-Voigt

In the enchanting world of family businesses, there's something truly magical about weaving the tale of entrepreneurship into the fabric of a child's imagination. Much like the captivating universe of Disney's "Encanto," where the Madrigal family possesses extraordinary gifts, our own families hold unique talents and skills that form the foundation of a family-owned business. Let's embark on a journey to explore how parents can introduce the concept of their family business to their 6-year-old using metaphors inspired by the vibrant characters and experiences in Encanto.

Section 1: Discovering Magical Talents

In Encanto, each Madrigal family member possesses a special "gift" or talent that contributes to the harmony of the family and the community. Similarly, in real-life family businesses, every member has unique skills that contribute to the success of the enterprise. Begin by helping your child discover their own "magical talents" and explain how each family member brings something special to the family business.

Metaphor: Imagine our family business as a magical garden, where each member is like a unique flower with its own color and fragrance. Just like Mirabel has her ability to see the magic in the ordinary, Mommy might have a knack for numbers, and Daddy could be great at talking to people. Together, our diverse talents create a magical bouquet that makes our business thrive.

Section 2: Teamwork Makes the Magic Happen

In Encanto, the Madrigals work together to ensure the magic of their casita remains strong. Similarly, teamwork is essential in a family-owned business. Explain to your 6-year-old the importance of collaboration and how each family member's role contributes to the overall success of the business.

Metaphor: Picture our family business as a puzzle. Each family member is a unique puzzle piece, and when we work together, we create a beautiful picture. Just like Abuela leads the family with her wisdom, Mom and Dad guide us in making decisions, and you, my little one, add your special piece to make our family picture complete. Teamwork makes the magic happen!

Section 3: Embracing Challenges and Imperfections

In Encanto, the magic falters, and the family faces challenges. These moments are an opportunity for growth and resilience. Similarly, discuss with your child that challenges are a natural part of running a family business, and it's essential to face them together.

Metaphor: Our family business is like a magical river. Sometimes the water may be turbulent, and we might encounter rocks along the way. But just like in Encanto, where the Madrigals faced challenges, our family faces them too. These challenges help us learn and grow. Remember, even Mirabel had imperfections, and yet she played a crucial role in saving the magic. Our imperfections make us unique and strong.

Section 4: Nurturing the Family Business

In Encanto, the magical casita needs care and attention to thrive. Similarly, convey to your child the importance of nurturing and maintaining the family business through love, dedication, and hard work.

Metaphor: Think of our family business as a magical plant. We need to water it with love, the sunlight of positivity, and the fertilizer of hard work. Just like Isabela nurtures her plants to make the casita flourish, our efforts help our family business grow and prosper. It's a collective responsibility, and each one of us contributes to its well-being.

Section 5: Celebrating Success and Milestones

In Encanto, the family celebrates each member's "Candle Ceremony" when they come of age. Likewise, discuss with your child the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements and milestones of your family business.

Metaphor: Imagine our family business as a beautiful song. Each success, no matter how small, is like a musical note that adds to the melody. Just as the Madrigals celebrate the Candle Ceremony, we celebrate our achievements and milestones. Whether it's a new customer, a successful project, or a happy customer's feedback, every little note in our song is a reason to rejoice.

Conclusion

In the magical world of Encanto, the Madrigal family teaches us valuable lessons about love, resilience, and the importance of embracing our unique gifts. As parents introducing our family business to a 6-year-old, we can draw inspiration from Encanto to create a magical narrative that instills a sense of pride and understanding in our little ones. By using metaphors from this enchanting Disney movie, we can make the concept of a family-owned business an engaging and relatable experience, fostering a love for entrepreneurship in the hearts of our children. After all, every family has its own special magic waiting to be discovered!

Photo courtesy of disney.com.