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Sub Category : LifeStyle

Recently, I ran across an article on LinkedIn where the author challenged parents to stop creating false success for their children.  This author shared many examples and they all resonated with me. Inspired, I have decided to chime in. 


This past week, I've been posting about gold. In one post I stated, "it's not just about getting the gold, it's about what you do with it once you have it." Let me serve up this analogy. There's a such thing as leadership gold. These are nuggets of information and access to resources that are shared to position leaders to be more effective and equip them with enough leadership gold  to consider it a gold strike. 


So, here's one nugget for parents. Yes, I consider parents leaders. I've presented leadership gold to my past students, co-workers, friends, and my own children. With April being the Month of the Military Child and the kickoff of the John Maxwell Global Youth Initiative, it's fitting that I focus on parents and children. 


With children, instead of saying, you're so smart, ask them what they did to accomplish what they have. It may take some prodding and coaching at first but eventually your child will recognize, it's less about being smart as it is to identify the problem and take smart actions. Through guidance and coaching, my eight year old will now tell me what he did to improve his grades or his latest robotic Lego design.  His responses include, I tried the same thing a few times but it didn't work, so I tried something different (he's much more detailed when explaining his master Lego skills)! Or, I studied more, asked more questions at school and at home when Daddy and I have study time. 


Sometimes, he says, "I DONT KNOW, MOM." Your first reaction as a parent may be confrontational. But, I've learned to pay attention to triggers, whether it's his mood when he gets home, or knowing when something is bothering him. Sensing his frustration, I give him a little space and time. We usually take some time to figure out what else might be causing his reaction. Once, he calms down, I ask guiding questions (questions with hints) to get him started. Using this method, I leave him to consider his next steps before encouraging him further. 


Start small. Talk to your kids, ask why and how. Challenge them to consider other perspectives. Don't just give them the gold, make them work for it! Celebrate their successes. 


#LeadershipGoldForParents #MindsetMatters #LetsGrowTogether #ZoRe