6 activities to help your child build leadership skills

1. Volunteering at an organization that helps people - Leaders have empathy for others, and there is no better way to build children’s empathy than to put them in situations where they can help others who are less fortunate or need support. Empower your child to act when they see something wrong in the community and want to fix it (or get involved in an effort already underway).
2. Running for student council - By its very nature, student council in elementary school, middle school or high school is a great way to learn how to inspire change in an organization (such as a school in this case). Student council will also build your child’s public speaking, teamwork and organizational skills.
3. Joining a club and becoming an officer - Any extracurricular involvement will benefit your child in a multitude of ways but taking on a position such as secretary or treasurer (or even president or vice president) is especially good for your child. Such a position will build your child’s sense of responsibility.
4. Becoming part of a team - This could be a soccer team, a dance troupe, a glee club or something entirely different. A team environment helps participants cultivate their abilities to collaborate and work effectively with different types of people.
5. Working with children - This might be most applicable when your child becomes a teenager. Whether it’s babysitting, assisting in a preschool art class or coaching a children’s team, working effectively with younger children requires many of the same competencies that leaders need. Your teen will learn how to manage disorder, get others’ attention and motivate children to work toward similar tasks and goals, while building their patience in the process.
6. Being in charge of something - At home, you can help nurture your child’s inner leader by giving them something to manage independently. Chores are one option but think bigger. Is there some part of your family’s normal routine that your child could take over? Do you have a family business with which your child could get involved?

Even if your child isn’t planning to become a Fortune 500 CEO, leadership development is extremely beneficial. Your child will grow up to be more confident, adaptable, resilient and capable. They will become more proficient at making decisions and listening to others’ ideas (and articulating their own). Encourage your child to engage in activities that nurture their leadership skills. The positive effects will be long-lasting.