As you plan for the future of your growing small business, you may be considering how to involve your adult children in the business so it can stay "all in the family". According to the PwC NextGen survey of family businesses, only about 30 percent of family businesses successfully make the transition into the next generation. How can you beat the odds? 

• Help your children gain experience. Going directly into the family business isn't necessarily the best option. Just 7 percent of adult children in the study entered the family business right out of school. Nearly half (46 percent) got jobs at other companies first. Working in similar firms or jobs can help adult children learn the ropes without the pressure of parents looking over their shoulder. Gaining experience often helps adult children gain the respect of non-family co-workers-something nearly two-thirds believe will be hard to do. 
   
• Set clear roles and responsibilities. Conflict occurs when roles aren't carefully defined. PwC recommends clarifying responsibilities and maintaining open communication about expectations and problems.
   
• Be ready to let go. Your retirement may be a long way off, but if you want your adult children to be ready when the time comes, you need to start releasing the reins. Some 64 percent of adult children in the PwC study believe their parents will have trouble delegating authority to the next generation. 

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