Today, on a walk with our dog, a flock of Canadian Geese flew overhead. As I paused and watched them go by, I wondered about the lead goose- was it always in front. Turns out geese take turns leading the way. When the lead goose needs a break, it moves to the back where it can rest. A new goose takes its place. Their leadership and teamwork matter. The way we lead and encourage leadership in our home and classrooms does too.

A monthly cooking club meets in my kitchen. 20+kids dressed as zombies create a Nerf movie in the backyard. A Wings of Fire book club gathers in the clubhouse. Drive by our house and you’ll see pop up shops in our driveway; my kids and neighborhood kids selling artwork and lemonade. Walk around back and you’ll find scavenger hunts and obstacle courses in the woods.

I am not in charge. These classes and clubs happen because my children want them to and work hard to bring them to fruition. They also happen because I step back and let them lead.

How to Encourage Leadership

Plant a Seed

It might not occur to your child they could lead a class or club. They might need the idea planted. When my son’s cooking class ended, I suggested he start one of his own. To encourage my daughter’s love of reading, I mentioned how fun book clubs can be. (Mary, over at Not Before 7 has a great list of kids book club ideas)

Encourage kids to create a club or class about something they love. They don’t have to be an expert. They just need interest and passion.

Offer Planning Support

There are practical ways we can help our children lead and they all live in the planning process.

1. Listen to your children’s ideas- all the way through- even if they are big and seemingly impossible. Just listen.

2. Avoid saying things like, “No, that won’t work.” It will only discourage them. Instead, ask questions to help them make their big ideas more realistic and help them think things through.

Here are some of the ones I’ve  asked:

1. 1. • How will 20 people cook together in our kitchen?

      • I wonder how kids will know their lines without a script?

      • What if parents don’t want their kids on YouTube?

      • What if your friends don’t want to be assigned roles?

      • How will you listen to an audiobook in the woods?

3. Help and encourage kids to plan out their ideas on paper.

Again, ask questions to help them figure out the logistics.

1. 1. • Who do they want to invite?

      • Where and When will it be held?

      • What supplies do they need?

      • What will happen?

      • Will it continue or is it a one-time event?

When you subscribe to my newsletter, you’ll have access to my free Create a Club Planning Guide

4. If needed, set a budget.

5. Help and encourage kids to create an agenda. What will happen and in what order?

6. Help and encourage kids to create invitations.

7. As it gets closer to their club or class, if needed, offer reminders.

1. 1. • Do things need to be prepped beforehand?

      • Who has/hasn’t RSVPed?

      • Do they have all the supplies they need?

8. Ask how you can help during the event. If they want to do everything themselves, let them know you’ll be on hand if they need anything.

Let Go of Perfection 

Letting kids lead means some of their activities are messy or don’t go as planned. It means classes and clubs are not polished or perfect. It means a lot of learning that happens.

The pressure to be perfect only stifles leaders. Before your child leads, talk about some ways to handle problems that may arise. Maybe talk about some of the flops you’ve had as a leader. Assure them, it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. Part of being a leader is being flexible.

Don’t Assume Your Help is Needed

Letting kids lead can feel overwhelming. Our overwhelm often stems from our want to make sure things go well. But, if you’ve ever tried to lead and had someone step in, you know it makes things harder.

We have to curb our tendency to jump in when we feel like we could do it better. My guess is the lead goose, once it moves to the back, doesn’t call out orders to the one who’s in front. The new goose probably moves the flock a little differently. It’s not the same goose. It will lead differently.

Encouraging leadership in our homes and classrooms doesn’t mean we adults disappear, but it does mean we let our kids lead and find their leadership style. They have to try things, flop, get feedback from their peers, and trust we won’t jump in unless they ask for help.

Trust

My eight-year-old recently lead a three-hour book club. Packed with activities and an agenda she came up with, other than making fruit salad, I was truly not needed. I found the same to be true with my son’s cooking class. Even though my inclination was to hover and make sure things were going well, it was a gift for all that I didn’t interfere.

I didn’t know how things would go. I had to trust. Isn’t that the truth with learning, homeschooling, teaching, parenting- we don’t know.

Lean in and trust. You’ll be amazed!

Remember Mistakes are Part of the Learning Process

Learning is sometimes painful. A few months ago my son gathered twenty kids to make a zombie movie. He didn’t test his GoPro out at dusk. His movie, painstakingly planned and executed, can’t be viewed.  While he was really bummed at the time, he’s eager to re-shoot it, and I’m guessing will never forget the importance of lighting.

There Are Many Ways to Lead

Creating clubs and classes are just one way to lead. Look for opportunities that fit your child.

They can:

• Choose the family read aloud and come up with discussion questions.

• Volunteer at a local animal shelter. Many have read to the animals programs.

• Organize an activity for young siblings or friends.

• Teach a math concept they’ve mastered.

• Give a book talk on a book they love.

• Choose and make what the family is having for dinner.

• Create the agenda for the day.

Know They Will Learn A Lot!

Letting kids lead means your child will be eager to learn because they are eager to share. Leading not only teaches information, it offers kids opportunities to learn how to plan, organize, and think about what others need or enjoy.

This summer or next school year might be the perfect opportunity to let your children create a club or class. Help them bring their ideas to fruition and then step back and see what happens.