Leadership is difficult to attain, and it is much more difficult to inculcate in a youngster. According to research and analysis, there are around 1.9 billion children around the globe, and it is quite reasonable to assume that all of them have at least one working parent, and the majority have multiple. When parents are at work all day, they may be unaware of how much their children are learning. Kids may benefit from having grownups at home, which is why I believe that more and more parents are attempting to instill leadership skills in their children (especially in this generation). As I previously stated, leadership is developed via practice, therefore here are a few ways you may teach your child leadership qualities now.
1) Ask them questions
Kids are notorious for wanting to be in control of the situation. They like to tell you what to do and when to do it. If you ask them questions though, they’ll have to think about what is right, what is wrong, and whether or not they should go through with their actions or plans. For instance, if they are trying to convince one of their siblings into a plan that involves hogging all the toys, you could ask them why they feel that toy is important enough for that sibling not to have it at this moment. This gives them time to think about if there may be a better way of getting what they want without hurting someone else in the process.
2) Share their ideas, but add your own twist
If you’re a parent, it’s important to let your kids know that they can have their own opinions and that you are open to hearing them out. But while they are talking, don’t just sit there and listen. Don’t let their arguments distract you from your thoughts and what you have to do. Instead, find a way to connect the conversation back to something that you’re already doing and remind your kids why they have chosen what they have.
3) Remind them to hold hands with their siblings
As a kid, it’s common for kids to bicker and fight with their siblings. This is all part of growing up though and, in most cases, means that the two are learning about the value of being friends with those they love. When you are both holding hands, you are able to show your love and support for one another without having to actually speak your feelings out loud. Not only this, but it will allow you two to feel that little bit more secure together, knowing that no matter what happens or how bad things get you two will still be able to stay strong for one another.
4) Teach them communication skills
Follow through with your words and say what you mean when you mean it. While your kids might not understand the importance of this at this stage in their lives, someday they will. For example, if you tell them you’re going to the store and that it’s only for a few minutes, be sure to come back within that amount of time. This will show them that following through is important even when it means disappointing someone instead of just making that empty promise like so many parents do today.
5) Explain to them why these things are important
In order for kids to understand why they should be a leader, they have to know why being a leader is an important thing. How does it make the world a better place? What happens when you don’t follow through with your plans and what do you do instead? How do you show that you’re willing to help others and make decisions that are in the best interest of everyone involved? These are all questions that you should be asking your kids regularly so that they can see just how important it is to have a good leader around and also how much they themselves matter.
6) Talk to them like they actually understand what you’re saying
While this may mean that you have to exaggerate your words or even sound silly, it’s important for kids to know that their parents are talking to them as though they are adults in the making. Parents too often talk down to their kids and condescend to them when all the child really wants is a chance to show off just how mature he or she really is. By having them understand what it means to be a good leader, they’ll be able to learn about it as adults.
7) Give them unconditional love.
Kids don’t like leaders one bit! They think that being a leader is an easy way out, but teaching them that being an adult means putting others first and learning how to help people in need will give them the right type of perspective they need to understand why being a good leader is important.
8) Lead by example, not by force.
Be a good role model! If you have kids of your own you know that it’s hard to get them to do what you say when all they want is to find their own way through life. But leadership isn’t about forcing your will on others and it sure as hell isn’t about keeping your own interests at the forefront of every conversation. Instead, being a good leader is about doing what is fair and in the best interest of everyone else in the situation. The way you deal with your kids is going to determine how well they learn how to be a leader later on in life.
9) Don’t say “good job” all the time
Let’s imagine you did everything right as a parent and all of these things that were expected of you were met with ease and confidence. If you always tell your kids that they did well all the time, then what happens when they mess up? They’ll start second-guessing themselves, go back to that place where they didn’t have any idea what they were doing, and eventually give up out of frustration.
So I hope you now have a better understanding of the significance of leadership and how to teach it to children. If you are an inquisitive parent seeking the greatest leadership talent for your child, enroll your child in our top-rated leadership improvement program at Champions Ranch. All age groups benefit from our enhancement sessions and managerial coaching, which include mentorship sessions, horse riding, case studies, onsite camps, a business entrepreneur toolbox, “skills in demand seminars,” and other activities. Make your children future-ready by immersing them in our leadership curriculum from the ground up.