| With the right tools you can help them figure out | | | | girls through this and to bring out the leader in them. |
| what kind of adult they want to be and most | | | | It was a lot of research, trial and error. At times I |
| importantly help them understand the behaviors that | | | | had to give myself time-outs because I felt I had no |
| will lead them to success and the results they have | | | | influence. I was wrong. They are the women I |
| set for themselves. | | | | always wanted to be at their age. |
| A really positive and valuable success for a child that | | | | What made the total difference is that I got them |
| is a follower is to have them involved in | | | | involved in activities so that they could make friends |
| extracurricular activities. Choir, band, sports, dance, | | | | outside of school and gain confidence. In middle |
| martial arts (this is a fantastic one), speech and | | | | school, for example, students went on a Biology |
| debate. The possibilities are really endless. This means | | | | Expedition for two weeks together from all over |
| that you as a parent have to take an active role in | | | | British Columbia. There was a lot of bonding and |
| your child's activities. In this day most children are on | | | | togetherness. Students gain confidence in showing |
| their own and at a very young age. Is it any wonder | | | | their knowledge and survival skills. They had to be a |
| they end up as followers and in activities that are | | | | leader once every 5 days within their group. They still |
| destructive to their lives as well as the families? | | | | have some of those friendships 17 years later and |
| What can a parent expect when they pay little or no | | | | the leadership skills and self-confidence was |
| attention to what their child is doing or how they are | | | | permanently engraved on their soul. |
| doing? | | | | Also, get your child involved in more than one activity |
| Bottom line is that you have to get him involved in | | | | so that they can find their passion. Once my |
| some group activities, whether it is church youth, | | | | daughters gained the confidence from these activities |
| school organizations or outside clubs. A psychologist | | | | there was no stopping them. In fact, I had the |
| once told me the best thing you can do for your | | | | opposite problem, as they wanted to do too much. |
| child is get them involved in an activity that can help | | | | Their success is proof that it works. I believe so |
| them feel confident about themselves. You have to | | | | much that outside activities are what make kids |
| be their biggest supporter and fan. As a parent you | | | | successful, especially if they struggle with school and |
| are your child's everything and the opposite should be | | | | friends. |
| true in action as well as in the heart. | | | | By the way, another benefit of extracurricular |
| Two of my three daughters (one is still 7 years | | | | activities is that your child is so busy that they do |
| old...but on her way), are very successful as women | | | | not have time to get into trouble. |
| and as leaders. They were not only very reserved in | | | | Bring out the leader in your child. It is easier and more |
| school but were shy and prone to following which | | | | rewarding than you could ever imagine. I am on round |
| lead to heart ache, trouble and failure. As a parent | | | | two and my theory still works. Find the time to |
| my choice was intervention in regards to helping my | | | | invest in your child. The investment isn't only for you. |