ParentingHub

Is your child the class clown? Does she boss her siblings around at home? Is he always chatting to other kids in his class, despite teacher’s warnings? Well, before you reprimand your little chatterbox, consider how your child’s ability to gain classmates attention, or take control of a situation (even if the outcome is unsuccessful) may be a sign of potential leadership ability.



Seemingly disruptive traits such as bossiness, talking or making the other kids laugh can be channelled into leadership skills. These traits in children show a level of confidence and social interaction that can take years to acquire in adult leadership programs. The key is to channel these traits and with positive guidance and reinforcement, help your child to evolve and mature into a great leader.

As your child grows in the school environment, look for qualities such as new ideas, initiating games, planning activities, or being chosen as a class monitor. Help your child refine these skills, encourage and praise.

There are several things you, as a parent, can do to help your child hone their leadership skills.

1. Turn home chores into projects. Give your child some responsibility. An example would be letting your child plan and prepare a meal one night a week. Take him to the shops, get him to select the appropriate groceries, and unpack them when you get home. Help him prepare the meal, set the table and dish up. A simple lesson like this will teach responsibility and encourage confidence and pride in his abilities. Be sure to praise and encourage along the way. Resist the temptation to take control. Don’t worry if there’s more mayonnaise than chicken in your sandwich, or the chunk of cucumber in your salad is the size of your fist. Eat and enjoy anyway.

2. Let your child decide what activity you’re going to do that day. Break it down into steps so she understands how to set goals. Talk about each step once you’ve achieved it and make her aware that you’re now moving on to the second step. A great example is beading a necklace. Step one could be going to the bead shop and selecting the beads, step two would be setting the string and beads out on the table or carpet. Step three would be planning in which order she’s going to string them and finally, step four is when she puts it all together.

3. Measure effectiveness. In order to help your child realise the importance of completing a task and follow through, chat about the end product. Say how fantastic the meal was and how important it is to clear up afterwards. Let your child wear her new necklace and tell other family members what she’s achieved.

4. Teach your child respect for other team members. This starts at home. Respect for other family members and friends are a good start. Make your child realise that a happy home is one in which every ‘team’ member plays their part and helps each other. Washing up is a good example. By getting both siblings to help you can demonstrate how you’re saving time and getting the job done faster.

5. Parents who are strong leaders will often recognise leadership qualities in their children. Be careful not to intimidate by being over enthusiastic or too encouraging. A subtle approach works best. Give your child the reigns, honour his opinions and ideas, but be prepared to watch him fail occasionally.