Shifting Perspectives: Embracing Parental Leadership for the Next Generation
In the journey of parenthood, do we readily identify ourselves as leaders? For many, including myself, the answer was initially a resounding no. However, upon deeper reflection, the realization dawns that before we are parents, we are leaders in our own right. This paradigm shift is crucial in shaping not only our own perceptions but also the development of our children as future leaders.
Reflecting on the diversity of definitions and requirements for leadership, it becomes evident that there is no singular mold. Each individual perceives leadership uniquely, highlighting the complexity of the concept. However, amidst this diversity, a fundamental truth exists: leadership is fundamentally about decision-making.
As parents, decision-making is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. The responsibility is immense, from trivial choices like dinner menus to monumental decisions shaping our children's futures. It is this very act of decision-making that defines our leadership role.
Acknowledging the inevitability of mistakes is pivotal in embracing our leadership journey. Striving for perfection is a futile pursuit; instead, it is through our fallibilities that true growth occurs. Admitting our mistakes, accepting responsibility, and openly discussing them with our children fosters an environment of authenticity and resilience.
The journey towards cultivating leadership in our children begins with recognizing our own leadership potential. By embodying the qualities of a leader and demonstrating accountability for our actions, we serve as role models for the next generation.
In essence, helping our children become leaders necessitates a twofold approach. Firstly, we must acknowledge and embrace our role as leaders within the family dynamic. Secondly, we must exemplify the principles of leadership through our actions, including owning up to our mistakes and learning from them.
While the concept may seem straightforward in theory, its implementation requires conscious effort and commitment. However, by taking the first step towards embracing parental leadership today, we sow the seeds for a future generation of confident and capable leaders.
I would like to invite you to join my parent Facebook Group here to learn more about parenting with Leadership to build the leadership of our kids! You can always reach out to me directly to learn more! [email protected]
BIO
Lorraine Connell, MEd, MS, is the Owner of Peers not Fears, LLC, and a veteran educator of over 20 years. As a workshop facilitator, speaker, coach, and consultant for schools and youth-serving organizations, she has developed curricula on leadership and empathy. She works in collaboration with others to provide coaching to educators and students everywhere through her company Peers not Fears, LLC. Lorraine hosts the podcast Education Unimagined, where she interviews students, current and past, on their experiences in education, and listens to their advice on how we could do better. Her work spans the impact of understanding how and where our biases come into play, to develop strong communities.
In 2022, Lorraine left her full-time chemistry teaching job to work with interested schools, families, and communities to develop more equitable access and empowerment of students. When she is not working with others on developing leadership skills she is supporting her two boys in all their adventures. Lorraine and her husband Justin are both educators and work to improve and develop their and others' social and emotional learning.
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Several Videos are available on my homepage www.peers-not-fears.com
I have been on several podcasts, as well as a host of my own
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unimagined/id1591828902?i=1000585627213
https://www.lessonimpossible.com/podcast#/agent-lorraine-connell-teachers-v-leaders/