10 Tips for nurturing leadership, life skills, and a strong sense of self

By John Hoffman

Nurture the parent/child connection. A strong relationship is the foundation for any influence you want to have in your child's life.
Don't forget to nurture the "softer skills" like caring, compassion and empathy.
Positive self-esteem comes from our abilities and accomplishments rather than the other way around. Self-esteem issues are usually related to problems in certain areas, such as school or social relationships. Help them solve the problem. Improved self-esteem will usually follow.
Be prepared to listen when your children are prepared to talk.
Have fun with your kids. Good times are fundamental to good mental health and family well-being.
Avoid comparisons. Young people develop leadership and life skills on different schedules.
Let your child do as many things for herself as appropriate for her age and maturity level.
Give your child opportunities to help others so they learn that helping someone else can make you feel good in a way that is different from any other good feeling.
Realize you can't do this alone. Be open to the positive influence of your child's teachers, coaches and other mentors.
Never give up. Leadership and life skills don't develop overnight.

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