Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

06-08-2022

All Children Can Learn to Lead

Some children seem to be born leaders. They have the self-confidence, responsibility, helpfulness and friendliness that make other people want to work with them. But all children, whether they are "born leaders" or not, have the ability to become leaders.

Here are some ways you can help your child develop leadership skills:

Look at leaders in the news. Whether you're watching a story about a winning baseball team or a community effort to build a park, help your child see that someone was the leader of that group. Talk about what makes people good leaders.
Be a leader yourself. Elementary school children want to be like their parents. When you take a leadership role—in school, your business or your community—tell your child about what you're doing and why. "I volunteered to run a fundraiser for your school because I want the library to have more books."
Teach your child to see things from other people's point of view. Good leaders aren't bossy. They make people want to work together.
Look for leadership opportunities. Children can learn leadership skills in clubs, sports and many other organizations. Family meetings are another good way to develop "home-grown" leadership. Let children take turns chairing the meetings and carrying out family projects.
Don't push. Pressuring children beyond their abilities will destroy self-confidence, not build it. If your child seems stressed or unhappy, it's time to lighten up.

Brought to you by:

West Point Consolidated School District