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We know the bright future of our community depends on developing the leaders of tomorrow. Great leaders are essential, and we have an opportunity today to help enhance the characteristics and skills in our children to set them on that course.
Parents play a crucial role in making this happen, and even those who have children who are naturally shy or reserved must instill in them the tools that will eventually enable them to become leaders as adults. Our children will benefit from having the ability to communicate, persevere, accept responsibility, and live lives of service, as well as other leadership qualities.
Giving to lead
In order to ask others to give of themselves, leaders must first understand what it means to be selfless. Children who give their time and effort to a cause larger than themselves learn what it means to live a life of service. By looking for volunteer opportunities together, you can assist them in fulfilling this goal. As a result, they will be able to build character, be exposed to different perspectives, and gain a better understanding of what it means to serve their community.
Develop their voice
A good leader must be able to communicate effectively, and parents who encourage their children to express themselves will see their confidence soar. A child or teenager who is capable of expressing themselves clearly and listening is well on their way to becoming a thoughtful and respectful leader.
As you encourage them to discuss their understanding of the world around them and how it affects them, you will be helping them on their way. It is equally important that parents respond sensitively and empathically to their children. Don’t forget to point out both the instances in which they express themselves appropriately and those in which they do so in an inappropriate manner.
Make challenges opportunities
Helping a child does not mean solving their problems for them. In fact, it can harm their ability to handle challenges on their own. When parents assist their children in identifying problems and then determining how to resolve them, they are helping them acquire the ability to find solutions on their own. And when they do — and they will — it will build their confidence and self-esteem.
Show them the way
Parents who want their children to become leaders should teach them integrity, character, and responsibility by modeling those qualities themselves. Like other aspects of the parent-child relationship, children learn most from watching what their parents do rather than what they say. And if we want the future to be filled with good leaders, then we, as parents, must start that process in our own lives today.
The Children’s Trust is committed to assisting parents in developing leadership skills in their children. Along with investing in a range of programs to bring parents and children closer to together, The Trust’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a youth leadership development program focused on service and advocacy, especially for children and families. Find out more at TheChildrensTrust.org/YAC. Also, for the first time, The Trust will present an Excellence in Youth Leadership Award to an outstanding young person at our 2023 Champions for Children Award Ceremony in April. For more information, visit TheChildrensTrust.org/Champions.
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