Transforming Screen Time into CEO Time: Empowering Kids to Build Real Businesses

In today's digital age, children are spending increasing amounts of time in front of screens. But what if we could transform that screen time into something productive, something empowering? What if we could teach kids to channel their digital savvy into building real businesses and developing crucial life skills? In this blog post, we'll delve into how Kayshree Govender's innovative program, Dreamers & Founders, is doing just that, helping kids aged 8-18 turn their screen time into valuable "CEO time." We’ll explore the program's curriculum, its impact on young entrepreneurs, and actionable strategies for parents eager to empower their children. This post expands on the insightful conversation I had with Kayshree in my recent podcast episode. If you haven't already, I encourage you to listen to the full interview here: Kayshree Govender. Let's explore how we can raise a generation of builders, not just consumers.

Introduction: From Screen Time to CEO Time

The digital landscape has dramatically reshaped childhood. Where once kids spent hours playing outdoors, they now often spend similar time engaging with screens. While there are concerns about excessive screen time and its potential negative impacts, there's also a massive, often untapped, opportunity. Kids today are digital natives. They possess an innate understanding of technology that many adults lack. Instead of simply trying to limit screen time, what if we could harness their digital skills to foster creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking? That's the central idea behind transforming screen time into "CEO time." It's about shifting the focus from passive consumption to active creation, from being entertained to being empowered to build something of value.

Meet Kayshree Govender: Founder of Dreamers & Founders

The driving force behind this transformation is Kayshree Govender, the founder of Dreamers & Founders. Kayshree is a passionate advocate for future-ready education and purpose-driven parenting. She recognized that traditional education wasn't fully preparing kids for the rapidly changing world, especially in terms of entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy. She observed that while many kids were adept at using technology, few were being taught how to leverage it to create opportunities for themselves. With a background in education and a deep understanding of the challenges facing young people, Kayshree set out to create a program that would empower kids to become builders, innovators, and leaders.

The Dreamers & Founders Mission: Building a Generation of Builders

The mission of Dreamers & Founders is simple yet profound: to build a generation of builders, not just consumers. This mission is rooted in the belief that every child has the potential to create, innovate, and contribute to the world in a meaningful way. The program aims to equip kids with the skills, mindset, and resources they need to launch real businesses, develop powerful entrepreneurial skills, and take control of their futures. It's about fostering a spirit of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving, all while helping kids develop crucial life skills like communication, teamwork, and resilience. By providing a supportive and empowering environment, Dreamers & Founders encourages kids to dream big, take risks, and pursue their passions with confidence.

The Problem: Kids as Consumers vs. Creators

One of the biggest challenges facing today's youth is the overwhelming influence of consumerism. Kids are constantly bombarded with advertisements, marketing messages, and social media trends that encourage them to spend money and consume products. This constant exposure to consumer culture can lead to a passive mindset, where kids are more focused on acquiring things than on creating them. The problem isn't just that kids are spending money; it's that they're not learning the skills and knowledge they need to generate their own income and become financially independent. Furthermore, excessive consumption can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and a lack of purpose. By shifting the focus from consumption to creation, we can empower kids to become active participants in the economy and develop a stronger sense of self-worth.

The Solution: Turning Screen Time into Productive CEO Time

Dreamers & Founders offers a practical solution to the problem of excessive screen time and consumerism. The program provides a structured curriculum and supportive community that helps kids turn their digital skills into valuable business opportunities. Instead of simply scrolling through social media or playing video games, kids learn how to use technology to create products, market their ideas, and connect with customers. They learn about business planning, marketing, sales, finance, and other essential entrepreneurial skills. By providing a clear framework and hands-on experience, Dreamers & Founders empowers kids to transform their screen time into productive "CEO time," where they're actively building skills and creating value.

The Dreamers & Founders Curriculum: A Proven Approach

The Dreamers & Founders curriculum is designed to be engaging, interactive, and relevant to the interests of young people. It covers a wide range of topics, including: 1. Idea Generation: Helping kids identify problems they care about and generate innovative solutions. 2. Business Planning: Teaching kids how to create a business plan, set goals, and manage finances. 3. Marketing and Sales: Equipping kids with the skills they need to promote their products and services and attract customers. 4. Product Development: Guiding kids through the process of creating and refining their products or services. 5. Financial Literacy: Helping kids understand financial concepts, manage their money wisely, and invest in their future. 6. Leadership and Teamwork: Developing kids' leadership skills and teaching them how to work effectively in teams. The curriculum is delivered through a combination of online modules, interactive workshops, and mentorship sessions. Kids also have access to a supportive community of peers and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement along the way. The program is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing kids to pursue their passions and build businesses that align with their interests.

Empowering Mindsets for Young Entrepreneurs

Beyond the practical skills taught in the curriculum, Dreamers & Founders places a strong emphasis on developing empowering mindsets. Kids are taught to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, to be persistent in the face of challenges, and to believe in their ability to achieve their goals. They learn the importance of taking risks, stepping outside their comfort zones, and thinking creatively. The program also focuses on developing resilience, teaching kids how to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive attitude. By fostering these empowering mindsets, Dreamers & Founders helps kids develop the confidence and self-belief they need to succeed in business and in life.

Real-Life Examples: Kids Launching Real Businesses

One of the most inspiring aspects of Dreamers & Founders is seeing the real-life businesses that kids have launched through the program. From creating eco-friendly products to developing innovative apps, these young entrepreneurs are making a real impact on the world. For example, one young girl started a business selling handmade jewelry, using her profits to support a local animal shelter. Another kid created an app that helps students organize their homework assignments. These are just a few examples of the many inspiring stories that have emerged from Dreamers & Founders. These successes not only demonstrate the effectiveness of the program but also inspire other kids to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.

Strategies for Parents: Purpose-Driven Parenting

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children's entrepreneurial journey. Dreamers & Founders encourages parents to adopt a purpose-driven parenting approach, which involves helping kids identify their passions, develop their strengths, and find ways to make a positive impact on the world. This might involve encouraging kids to explore different interests, providing them with opportunities to learn new skills, and supporting their efforts to start their own businesses. It's also important for parents to create a supportive and encouraging environment, where kids feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences. By working together with their children, parents can help them develop the skills, mindset, and confidence they need to succeed in business and in life.

Future-Ready Education: Preparing Kids for a Changing World

The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and traditional education systems are struggling to keep up. Dreamers & Founders offers a future-ready education that prepares kids for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. By focusing on entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and empowering mindsets, the program equips kids with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It's not just about teaching kids how to start businesses; it's about helping them develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills they need to succeed in any career path. By investing in future-ready education, we can ensure that our kids are prepared to lead, innovate, and make a positive impact on the world.

Actionable Steps: How to Get Your Child Involved

If you're interested in getting your child involved in Dreamers & Founders, there are several steps you can take. First, visit the Dreamers & Founders website to learn more about the program and its curriculum. You can also sign up for a free introductory workshop or webinar to get a taste of what the program has to offer. Next, talk to your child about their interests and passions. What problems do they care about? What skills do they enjoy using? What kind of business might they be interested in starting? Once you have a better understanding of your child's interests, you can work together to develop a business idea and create a plan for launching it. Remember to be supportive and encouraging throughout the process, and celebrate your child's successes along the way.

Conclusion: Raising Confident, Innovative Leaders

Transforming screen time into CEO time is not just about teaching kids how to start businesses; it's about empowering them to become confident, innovative leaders. By fostering entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and empowering mindsets, we can equip kids with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Dreamers & Founders is leading the way in this transformation, providing kids with a supportive community and a proven curriculum that helps them turn their dreams into reality. As parents, educators, and community members, we all have a role to play in raising a generation of builders, not just consumers. Let's work together to empower kids to take control of their futures and make a positive impact on the world. This post only scratches the surface of Kayshree's incredible work, so I highly recommend listening to our full conversation on the podcast: Kayshree Govender. It's time to inspire the next generation of CEOs!