STRONG MINDS A MUST FOR KIDS!

 FACTS:

• Not everyone is a born leader.  Some have a natural aptitude to lead, while others prefer to follow.
• All kids can learn important leadership qualities even if they are not born leaders.
• Children need to be protected from being easily led down a negative path.
• Strong-willed children can become great leaders when their will is trained in a positive direction.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERSHIP?

1.  Leaders know what they want.
2.  Leaders are tenacious in their efforts to succeed.
3.  Leaders often see the bigger picture rather than worry about the nuts and bolts to fulfill the overall
     goal.
4.  Leaders become competent in what interests them most.
5.  Leaders are great communicators - they need to be able to give clear instructions for others
     to follow.
6.  Leaders are not always sensitive to the emotional needs of others.  Their mission often comes first.

HOW DO WE INSTILL STRONG MINDS AND LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS IN OUR KIDS? 

Parents and caregivers:

• Observe and identify their children's personalities.
• Encourage competency in skills that are becoming evident, allowing practice to get it right.
• Provide consistent positive role modeling.
• Teach kids right from wrong from their earliest years.  
• Train children in strong family values, including discussing why and how they affect our decisions.
• Give kids responsibility so they learn not only skills, but accountability.
• Explain consequences for potential decisions and work through mistakes for better outcomes.

 Written by Sally Burgess