Executives, look out! You’re not the only ones handing out business cards to expand your network. There’s a new breed of business-card toting individuals out there, and not only are they contact-building savvy, they’d love to meet over lunch — but only after getting permission from mommy.

Meet today’s network-building tots. They’re fierce, determined, and they never leave home without a nappy bag and a stash of business cards tucked within. In what has become a phenomenon that is taking the country by storm, a growing number of parents are taking their kids’ social interaction to new extremes, investing in business cards their children can pass on to classmates, playmates, and possible business associates.

Some parenting experts censure the practice, calling it preposterous and chalking it up as a very good example of parenting gone bad. These experts believe today’s generation of parents are so obsessed in giving their children a headstart they prod them on to do activities or learn practices they have no business learning 10- even 20 - years ahead of time.

Despite disapproval from parenting experts, business cards for kids continue to sell like pancakes the whole country over. Says one parent, “My son feels very, very important every time he gives someone his business card.”

Such indulgent reaction naturally has huge sales impact for the entrepreneurs behind the new trend. Due to high demand, kids’ business cards sell for as high as $1 apiece online. These cards come in all colors and designs, and parents all over the country snap them up almost as soon as they’re marked for sale.

If you’re planning to jump onto the bandwagon and join the bevy of parents who are getting their children business cards, why not do it one better? Give your five-year-old son not just a set of business cards but his very own pocket business card holder as well. You can then sit back and beam with pride each time Junior hands out his business card. Business cards and a corresponding pocket business card holder are sure to be a big hit with your children. With those on hand, they won’t only look like mommy and daddy, they can network like them, too!