How to Run a Lemonade Stand

Summer is ripe for learning. Even though the textbooks and pencils are put away for the year, you can still teach your children hands-on life lessons. By encouraging your kids to run a lemonade stand, you can pass on these valuable skills: cooking, working as a team, and handling money. Entrepreneurship is a rare gem in our future generation, yet it is one we wish our children will learn. With some preparation, learning economics and handing out cookies and lemonade can go hand in hand. Here’s how to get started:

• Make a sign. In order for you to attract customers, they must know you exist! Paint the sign with bright colors and large letters so that it is easy to read. One of the best ways to advertise is to make a two-sided sign to that people on both sides of the street will have time to consider stopping at your lemonade stand before they pass it.
• Create a menu. When people do come to your little shop, they will want to know what you have to offer. (You may want to add the choices on your sign.) Besides lemonade, some other special treats may be popular as well. For example, chocolate chip cookies or brownies are an easy option that kids can bake. Also, different varieties of beverages, such as strawberry or blueberry lemonade, can attract more customers. Your children can also make small “candy kebobs” to sell for another special option by arranging different types of candies onto a stick.
• Use dispensers instead of pitchers. In order to prevent spills from occurring, and to save some napkins, put all of the beverages in dispensers so that there will be a smooth transition to the cup. Don’t forget to use colorful straws!
• Employ a cash box. Using a box for the proceeds not only will keep the money safe, but will also make it much easier to count and organize when needing to give change.

And of course, don’t forget to smile!

Styles, Camille. “How to Set Up a Summer Lemonade Stand.” Food Network, Food Network, 30 Mar. 2017, www.foodnetwork.com/grilling/summer-parties/photos/how-to-set-up-a-summer-lemonade-stand.