LEGO Lessons for Young Entrepreneurs

The LEGO story is not simply a business tale; it is a blueprint for cultivating entrepreneurial character in our homes.

Ole’s life was marked by loss, scarcity and repeated setbacks. What stands out is not the hardships themselves but the way he responded. Our children learn resilience not through comfort, but through opportunities to solve problems, make decisions and try again.

Allow children to experience small struggles. Let them troubleshoot. Let them fail safely. These are the bricks that build internal strength.

Ole’s first toys were created from leftover wood that most would have thrown away. Entrepreneurs learn to see value where others see waste. When children are encouraged to reuse materials, repurpose objects or create something new from what they already have, they build that same mindset.

Challenge your child to create a product, gift or solution using only what is available at home. Scarcity can be a powerful teacher.

Ole believed that quality was a moral responsibility. He refused to compromise, even when times were desperate. This principle later shaped LEGO’s enduring reputation for excellence.

Families who want to raise entrepreneurs can cultivate this by encouraging children to take pride in a job well done, whether they are completing a chore, serving a customer or doing schoolwork. Excellence becomes a habit long before it becomes a business strategy.

Those early plastic bricks were a disappointment, yet Ole and his son Godtfred, worked tirelessly to improve them. Instead of abandoning the idea, they refined the blocks again and again.

When your child’s first attempt at a business idea, baking project or handmade product does not work, resist the urge to fix it yourself. Ask questions instead: What could you change? What did you learn? What will you try next? This builds a mindset of continuous improvement.

LEGO became a global success only because Ole invested in quality, innovation and systems long before the world recognised their value. He understood that lasting success is built slowly.

Children raised with a long-term perspective are less likely to chase fads or become discouraged when success does not happen instantly. They learn to persevere, plan and build patiently.

Ole’s motivation was not just profit; he wanted to create toys that inspired creativity and delight. This matters. One of the most powerful lessons we can teach children is that entrepreneurship is about solving a problem or serving people, not simply making money.

When children focus on making someone’s life easier, happier or more beautiful, they develop a value-driven approach that leads to sustainable success.