Leadership can be defined as the inherent quality in a person’s personality to persuade and guide others. An effective leader boosts the morale of his followers and keeps them together in critical times. The people look up to him. In today’s world of cut throat competition, it is imperative for every parent to inculcate the attributes of leadership in their child. The children must realize the importance of leadership traits and embark upon their life confidently.
Leaders are product of their environment:
Many people believe that leaders are born and not made. This may be the case in a few situations, but reality is that a majority of world- renowned leaders were a product of their environment and upbringing. A few examples include Mahatma Gandhi and Bill Gates, which were just considered average in their early years. It is solely the result of the positive parenting that the society gets effective leaders. Homes are the first place where child must learn to build his/her self- confidence and face the challenges of the outside world.
Child’s first classroom is home:
Leadership begins right when the child volunteers for becoming the monitor of the class or is considered the unofficial leader of children in the neighbourhood. It is the right time to encourage the child and build his/her self esteem so that these qualities may further be polished. At a young age, the child’s mind can easily be moulded.
Be the child’s hero:
The parents are idols for the child whom he/she earnestly follows. If the parent does not put a good example in front of the young ones, there is a rare possibility that the child will grow up to be a leader. Even if one’s life has hundreds of problems, one has got to deal with them in front of their child for his/her bright future.
Attend to the child:
Always pay keen attention to what the child is saying. When the young one comes back from the school and describes the day, parents must be interested in the talk and not let their mind wander elsewhere. This will build up the confidence of the child. Same is applicable when the child asks questions to his/her parents. They must always seem eager to satisfy the child’s inquisitiveness.
Be inquisitive:
Try to question your child too. The child should be able to share his/her experience and emotions with the parents. It will help developing an empathetic attitude in the child.
Criticism is damaging:
Never criticize children. Each rude word said by a grown up strikes a blow in the young ones heart. Hence, parents must be extremely careful in choosing their words. They must try to understand the child’s world and what all is important to him/her, so that they don’t end up trivializing what is important to the child. Also, words of appreciation can go along way in motivating the child.
Provide examples:
Study the lives of past and present leaders and give ample examples to the child. This makes the child attain essential leadership traits like good character, being confident and taking pride in oneself.
Raise a responsible child:
Teach the child to be responsible. It is one of the most important qualities that a leader must possess. The child must be responsible for his/her actions and learn to accept his/her mistakes.
Free thinking matters:
The child must be encouraged to think. There is no use burdening the child with your opinions and unsatisfied ambitions. The child must not be bound to accept the parent’s words blindly. When the child is allowed to think freely and express his/her ideas, it enhances his/her creativity and independent thinking capability.
Self- belief:
Self- belief is an important quality that a good leader must possess. The child must have a vision and be encouraged to work toward his/her goals. Also, remember that the child’s dreams should not be laughed upon, even when they might seem unrealistic. The child must believe that nothing is impossible and he/ she must plan towards achieving the goals set. A good leader believes in him and also has the capability to convince others to believe in him.
So, the parents must remember that every child is unique. Value your child and encourage him/her. Let the child know he/she is invaluable for you. Believe in your child and constantly fuel the child’s spirit to become successful in life.