Parents as Leaders

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
John C. Maxwell

Whether we like it or not, when we became parents, we became leaders. Children cant help but take their lead from the older people around them. Neuroscientists have proven this at a cellular level detecting microscopic mirror neurons in a child's brain that soak up the messages we give them and use it to build their nerve pathways for the future. And society demonstrates it at a macro level; we cannot help but be affected by the culture in which we live.  For parents this can be a sobering thought! 

As parent we cannot not influence. Frustrating sometimes isn't it! The good news is that when we make mistakes, we can show our disappointment and demonstrate that we are sorry for our actions. Being sorry for mistakes is an essential lifeskill our children need to see modelled. And the sunny-side of parenting is that forgiveness and acceptance is something you can practice too. Children do it well! 

As parents we are not only leaders; we are learners too. And some of the best life lessons are taught to us by our own children.

Here is an ancient text (source unknown) that has helped me to become a better parent.

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     Watch you thoughts, they become your words
     Watch your words, they become your actions
     Watch your actions they become your habits
     Watch your habits, they become your character
     Watch your character, it becomes your destiny

For tips on children's behaviour, download a free toolkit titled 
Behaviour 10 Top Tips