KidLead - I'm The Boss Around Here

Ever see a kid totally control their parent(s) at a Wal-Mart or grocery store? Maybe in the mall or any other store where the child may want something that the parent(s) doesn't think they should have?

What you may be witnessing is a budding leader in the making.

Sure, you can bully them with threats and verbal warnings like, "I'm the boss around here." But that default style of parenting could squelch the very leader that is right under your nose. It could be that we, as the parent(s), are the 'diminishers' of the immature leader trying to stretch their wings.

Reducing the intensity of the situation is the goal. Use it as a teachable moment. Consequences can (and should) be attached to inappropriate behavior but not without clear explanation.

From the book, "When you play the 'parent card' in order to gain control and get your way, it usually means you've lost the battle. This is a last resort strategy."

The idea is you lose the ability to develop the leadership potential that might be evidenced in the 'inappropriate' behavior. It's a difficult task, but parents have a high calling to provide a safe place to have their children display their gifts of influence and grow in their confidence while failing with dignity.