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Guest article provided by: Kia Mackey at Boundless Brilliance, bringing free STEM workshops to Title 1 elementary schools.

Guest article provided by boundlessbrilliance.org

All parents want their children to be successful. Parents naturally want kids to be viewed as courageous leaders, willing to take on any challenge. However, instilling leadership traits in children takes a lot of practice and patience.

We could probably debate all day on what it means for kids to reach their maximum potential, but there are a few things psychologists agree can set your child apart. I’ve listed 10 of these below to get the ball rolling. And who knows — maybe you could learn a thing or two as well! After all, isn’t that what parenting is all about?

1. Have Them Try Out Sports

Most parents would agree that having your kids do sports can teach them about teamwork, which is a significant component of leadership. However, according to the Washington Post, 70% of kids drop out of sports by age 13. This can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of interest, the prospects of not playing in college and discovering alternative sports such as skateboarding.

If they drop out at some point, that’s absolutely fine. The goal here isn’t that they just “find a sport,” but rather that they have participated in an activity that gets them to use their bodies, learn a skill and function as a member of a team.Today In: Leadership

2. Focus On Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence indicates how well your child understands empathy and sympathy, and is a significant factor in problem-solving. As you probably already know, these are critical skills to have as a leader. If you’d like to gauge where you or your child fall on the emotional intelligence scale, Psychology Today has provided a free test that takes a little less than an hour.

3. Embrace Failure

This can be tricky for a lot of parents. We can sometimes get so wrapped up in wanting the best for our kids that we neglect to deal with what happens when things don’t work out as planned. As Psychological Science notes, how a child deals with failure and hardship is a strong predictor of his or her growth and intelligence. Ensure that you teach your child to deal with failure in a healthy, constructive manner.

4. Establish Sound Financial Practices

One of the most important things to teach your children is how to manage their finances. Hard times can hit anyone; what is crucial is how they respond. As CreditRepair notes, the trickle-down effect of debt can affect your parenting style, as well as the overall happiness of your family.

5. Take Them On Trips

Traveling doesn’t necessarily mean you have to book a trip to a foreign country. It could involve a visit to a nearby state park or simply spending a day exploring your city or town. The important thing is that you’re spending quality time with your kids outside of the house. According to a study by New Mexico State University, parents who take the time to do activities with their children have a much stronger emotional connection than those who just are in the same room watching TV. It’s not always about the amount of time you spend with your kids, but the quality of it.

6. Teach Patience

Patience is a skill that, when taught right, can last a lifetime. It’s one of the reasons fishing and hunting are popular activities for parents and kids, because they teach “proactive patience.” You’re intentionally doing something that requires waiting, which is a great skill in becoming an excellent listener or observer.

7. Give Them Time To Be Creative

Creativity is one of the best tools a leader can have, so it’s important to give your children the opportunity to flex their creative muscles. As Berkeley University’s Greater Good magazine notes, there are plenty of great ways to foster creativity, including encouraging them to read and having artworks around the house.

8. Practice Negotiation Techniques With Them

It might sound silly that parents should teach their kids to be on a level playing field with them, but it’s actually a pretty useful communication skill. A study conducted by Bond University on teaching negotiation suggests that role plays focused on seeing different viewpoints of a situation can be effective.

9. Instill The Dangers Of Procrastination

Almost everyone procrastinates at one time or another. However, if procrastination becomes a habit, it can prevent someone from reaching his or her full potential. As a parent, you’re always going to want to let your kid be a kid, but it’s also important to teach them how to get things done when it’s necessary. Dr. Tim Pychyl, a psychologist at Carleton University, has an excellent lecture that offers suggestions on how to reduce procrastination tenfold.

10. Lead By Example

The platitude is true: as a parent, you’re going to be the most important teacher your child will have. Whatever you do, they’re going to mimic. Don’t believe me? A study conducted by Pew found that 72% of parents wanted their parents to view them as a good parent. This phenomenon lasts a lifetime, so get used to being the best you can be. It’s guaranteed to have a lasting effect on your kids!

This article originally found on Forbes.com

hether their kids are kindergarteners or high school seniors, parents have many good reasons to volunteer at school.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Involved?

Getting involved is a great way to show your kids that you take an interest in their education. It also sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause.

Many schools now have to raise their own funds for activities and supplies that once were considered basic necessities. Parent volunteers are essential to organizing and chaperoning these fundraising events and other school activities.

Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the school community. They also show their kids the importance of participating in the larger community.

Working with teachers, administrators, and other parents will help you understand your child’s daily activities. You’ll also tap into trends and fads of school life that can help you communicate with your kids as they grow and change — all without intruding on their privacy or personal space.

Even if you haven’t been involved in the past, it’s never too late to start. In fact, it may be more important than ever to get involved when kids reach secondary school.

Some parents get “volunteer burnout” by the time their kids enter high school or decide that the schools don’t need them as much then. Many parents who volunteered a lot of time during their kids’ elementary years return to full-time careers by the time their kids are teens, so there’s often a shortage in the secondary schools.

How Do I Get Started?

One of the best starting points for getting involved is a parent–teacher conference or open house. These are usually scheduled early in each school year. They’re a great opportunity to talk to your child’s teachers or the principal about volunteer involvement.

If you have something to offer or just want to help out in whatever way you can, talk about it with teachers. They might arrange something with you personally or direct you to a department head or administrator who can answer your questions and make suggestions. It’s also a good idea to join the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or parents’ advisory council.

Here are some of the ways a parent volunteer can help:

• act as a classroom helper
• mentor or tutor students
• help children with special needs
• volunteer in a school computer lab
• help organize, cater, or work at fundraising activities such as bake sales or car washes
• act as a lunchroom or playground monitor
• help to plan and chaperone field trips, track meets, and other events that take place away from the school
• help to plan and chaperone in-school events (dances, proms, or graduation ceremonies)
• organize or assist with a specific club or interest group (if you have an interest in an activity that isn’t currently available to students, offer to help get a group started — for example, a chess club or cycling team)
• assist coaches and gym teachers with sports and fitness programs or work in the school concession stand at sporting events
• help the school administrators prepare grant proposals, letter-writing campaigns, or press releases, or help with other administrative needs
• attend school board meetings
• work as a library assistant or offer to help with story time or reading assistance in the school library
• sew costumes or build sets for theatrical and musical productions
• work with the school band or orchestra or coach music students one-on-one
• help out with visual arts, crafts, and design courses and projects
• hold a workshop for students in trade or technical programs
• spend some time with a specific club or interest group (ask the teacher who sponsors the group)
• volunteer to speak in the classroom or at a career day, if you have a field of expertise that you’d like to share
• supervise or judge experiments at a science fair

Remember that not everyone is suited for the same type of involvement. You may have to “try on” a few activities before you find something that feels right. If you need ideas, ask your child’s teacher, who will likely be glad to help you think of something!

Questions to Ask

When you offer to help out, find out how much of a time commitment is expected and if it will be ongoing. Are you going to repair the costumes for the spring musical or keep the drama department’s supplies in good condition year-round? Are you chaperoning a track meet or coaching the whole season?

Be sure to ask if any financial costs are involved with your volunteer activities. If you’re chaperoning a field trip, for example, find out if you’ll pay for transportation and admissions costs. Ask if you’ll transport students in your own vehicle or ride with them on a school bus.

If you organize or help out with an activity that takes place off the school grounds, find out if there are any specific school regulations you need to keep in mind or any liability issues you should consider.

What Else Should I Know?

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when signing up to volunteer:

• Be clear about how much time you’re willing to volunteer. Don’t be afraid to say no if you’re asked to do more than you feel comfortable with — but try to say it early enough so that someone else can take your place. Many trips and activities can’t happen unless the school has enough chaperones or supervisors.
• Start small. Don’t offer to coordinate the holiday bake sale, the band recital, and a swim meet all at once. If you’ve taken on too much, find out if you can pass some duties to other parents.
• Don’t give your child special treatment when you’re volunteering at the school. Follow your child’s cues to find out how much interaction works for both of you. Most kids enjoy having their parents involved, but if yours seems uncomfortable, consider taking a more behind-the-scenes approach. Make it clear that you aren’t there to spy — you’re only trying to help out the school.
• Get feedback from the teachers and students. Find out what’s most and least helpful to them, and ask what you can do to make the most of the time you spend on school activities. It’s important to communicate openly with teachers, administrators, students, and volunteers. Be flexible and responsive as the needs of the students and the school change.

Remember that volunteering not only benefits your kids. It helps the classroom, the whole school, and the community by giving students positive interaction, support, and encouragement.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD

Date reviewed: July 2018

Originally published on Kidshealth.org

Although this quotation doesn’t mention education, it does make a great point about how we teach our children. In school, we encourage students to learn so they can eventually “make a living” and succeed on their own in the world. But do we teach them how to “make a life” by volunteering and giving of themselves?

Many children have required community service hours for school or other organizations, so don’t miss your chance to turn this time into a learning experience. Volunteering and community service can build character and may result in some of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. Show your online school students the importance of giving back to your community and helping others in need by volunteering as a family.

To help ensure enthusiastic participation, look for volunteer opportunities in your local community or select a cause that your family is passionate about. Try some of the community service ideas and volunteering websites listed here to find an activity near you.

Ways to Volunteer

If your online school student wants to try a specific volunteer opportunity in your area, look online for websites of local organizations. Here are some examples of community service and volunteer opportunities to look for:

• Work at a food bank or soup kitchen.
• Tutor younger students.
• Participate in community cleanups.
• Visit a nursing home.
• Work at an animal shelter.
• Help out at the library.
• Walk or run for a fundraiser.

VolunteerMatch

VolunteerMatch helps volunteers, business leaders, and nonprofit organizations find ways to give back to the community. On their website’s home page, type in your location and a few keywords. To find volunteer opportunities for kids, try using keywords such as “children,” “kids,” “students,” “families,” or “learning.”

Habitat for Humanity

People of all ages can join Habitat for Humanity to help build a house for a family in need. In their youth programs, there are different teams and opportunities for children ages 5–8, 9–13, and 14 and up. There’s also a team for teachers, parents, and youth leaders. Another benefit of volunteering with this organization is that children can stay involved when they are adults.

Humane Society

Do your children love animals? Looking for opportunities at the Humane Society is an effective way to get them interested in volunteering. Browse the website’s free lessons for students in elementary school, From Nose to Tail: Lessons to Inspire Care and Compassion for Dogs, which promotes empathy and animal advocacy.

GenerationON

GenerationOn is the youth division of Points of Light, a large volunteer organization. With sections for kids, teens, parents, teachers, and organizations, the website directs users to information on community service clubs, project ideas, family volunteering, and service stories. Children can visit the “Clubs for Kids and Teens” page to find resources and volunteering activities in your area.

DoSomething.org

DoSomething.org is a nonprofit organization specifically for volunteers ages 13–25. The website has plenty of information on campaigns and causes that volunteers can get involved in, and the organization even offers internships and scholarships.

Volunteering for community service with your online school students is a wonderful way to demonstrate your family’s values in action. As your children help others, they will gain an understanding of the needs in your community and develop empathy and compassion. Additionally, your online school students will have fun, make friends, and gain social and leadership skills—and that will make volunteering an enjoyable and rewarding experience for the entire family.

To learn how you can be more involved in your children’s education and have the flexibility to layer volunteering into the family schedule, visit the website for Connections Academy® online public school. Or to learn about online private school, visit International Connections Academy’s website.

This article originally found on Connectionsacademy.com

Few things can be more frustrating than watching your child struggle to make friends or having a difficult time fitting into certain social settings. There are several steps parents can take to improve their child’s social skills.

1. Follow Their Interests

Enjoying others will come more naturally when a child is doing something they are genuinely interested in. Whether it’s participating in a favorite sport, playing an instrument they like or being part of a club they’re interested in, this is the first step toward building social skills. It also places a child around like-minded individuals that the child will probably feel more at ease with. While it’s important to be able to socialize with those of varying interests, starting out with other kids who like the same things is an excellent way to more easily build social skills.

2. Learn to Ask Questions

Sometimes when children get nervous or a conversation lags, they may become more introverted and ultimately struggle in future social situations. According to the Center for Development & Learning there are several ways children can initiate and carry on positive conversations with others. One important way is to ask questions. The best way to find out about others and form connections is to ask questions that specifically pertain to the person the child is talking with. Encourage your child to ask questions that can’t be answered with just a yes or no.

3. Practice Role Playing

Pretend-play, with both younger and older children, is a great way for kids to actively practice their social skills. LD Online gives parents practical tips for effective role playing. Have your child pretend to be the person they have difficulty talking to or getting along with. This will give you an idea of what this person is like, or at least how your child perceives this particular person. Then switch roles to see how your child does when pretending to interact with the person. Suggest ways your child can more effectively talk with the individual. Don’t forget to include body language, such as smiling and making eye contact, when advising your child.

4. Teach Empathy

If children have a better understanding of how others feel, they are much more likely to feel connected to other people and form positive bonds. Parents suggest teaching empathy by talking about different situations and scenarios with your child. Ask how other people might feel when each of these things happen. Part of teaching empathy is to help children learn how to actively listen to others. This involves focusing on what others are saying and then thinking about what the speaker has said once the conversation is over.

5. Know Your Child’s Limits

Some children are simply more social than others. A child who is shy and introverted should not be expected to interact in the same way as a child who is naturally outgoing. Some children are comfortable in large settings, while others find it easier to relate to their peers when in smaller groups. It’s also important to understand a child’s time limits. Younger children and those with special needs may only feel comfortable socializing for an hour or two.

6. Be a Good Role Model

It’s important to be consciously aware of how you interact with others when your child is watching. Are you asking questions of others and then taking the time to actively listen? Do you show genuine empathy for friends and family in your life? The Center for Parenting Education states that being an effective role model requires conscious effort and forethought. Children are constantly watching the adults in their lives.

It’s important to remember that it will take time for your child to develop good social skills. Social skills are something that are developed and improved upon over a lifetime.

Article originally published on Brainbalancecenters.com