Because we all want our kiddos to rule the world, or at least their classrooms, the Global Game Changers Children’s Education Initiative is sharing these 8 tips to help your little ones grow into strong leaders.
- Give them chores, like now.
Leaders have to balance many responsibilities, so start your child young. Give them a chore at home to help them understand the importance of getting a job done and being a responsible member of the community.
- Show them the good and the bad.
We all know there are plenty of bad leaders out there, but make sure your child sees the good ones too! Expose them to leaders you admire through podcasts, books, or even in person. Don’t just say “I like this leader”; explain why and what you admire about their leadership style.
- Find their strength.
Not all leaders are the same, and that’s a good thing! Help your child find and develop their own leadership strengths, whether it’s motivation, efficiency, big-picture thinking, or attention to detail.
- Teach them to plan.
Leaders achieve their goals through planning, so start your child young. Have them help plan a family vacation or weekend activity to build their planning skills and teach them about research and budgeting.
- Respect is key.
Teach your child the Golden Rule and how to respect others, starting with empathy. Have discussions about practical applications of respect, like “How can we show respect when…” or “Treating others with respect means…”.
- Embrace mistakes.
Leadership isn’t about being perfect all the time. Teach your child that admitting weaknesses and mistakes makes them stronger. Share examples of leaders who overcame failures to become successful.
- Learning never stops.
Good leaders never stop learning, so encourage your child to always keep learning. Discuss how businesses have adapted to change and why it’s important to keep learning and growing.
- Give them leadership opportunities.
Support your child’s leadership experiences in school, extracurriculars, and beyond. Advocate for leadership programs at school and encourage them to run for class president or pursue other leadership opportunities. The more they lead, the better they’ll get!”
