One of history’s greatest leaders, Abraham Lincoln, was not born into wealth or privilege. Yet he became the 16th President of the United States and led his country through one of its most difficult times. His leadership qualities—honesty, perseverance, and a deep sense of responsibility—can serve as a great example for teaching your child to become a leader.
Not every parent would like their child to be excessively timid, unable to communicate, or unable to inspire change. Most parents want their child to grow into a confident, responsible, and influential leader. However, leadership skills don’t just develop overnight when they’re adults; they start now!
Contrary to the opinion of many, leadership is not just about giving orders—it’s about inspiring others, making good decisions, and standing firm in the face of challenges.
7 Ways to Teach Your Child to Become a Leader
1. Encourage Independent Thinking and Decision-Making
Great leaders think for themselves and make hard decisions. Instead of simply telling your child what to do every time, encourage them to make their own decisions, even difficult ones. Ask them questions like, “What do you think is the best solution?” or “How would you handle this situation?”
Lincoln made one of the most difficult decisions in history—ending slavery in the United States. He faced opposition but remained committed to doing what was right.
Teaching your child to think critically, weigh options, express their views confidently, and stand by their decisions will prepare them for leadership roles in the future.
2. Teach the Value of Hard and Smart Work
Lincoln was born into a poor family and had little formal education. However, he taught himself by reading books and working hard. Eventually, he became a lawyer before becoming President of the United States.
Teaching your child that effort leads to success is key to developing leadership skills. Encourage them to set goals, work hard in school, and take responsibility for their actions. Remember to praise their effort, not just their results.
3. Build Strong Communication Skills
A leader’s words can inspire people to take action. Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address was only 272 words long, but it moved an entire nation!
Help your child develop good communication skills by encouraging them to express their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and speak and write confidently. Let them practice by leading discussions at home or giving short presentations.
4. Instil Honesty and Integrity
Lincoln was known as “Honest Abe” because of his strong moral principles. He believed that honesty and fairness were essential to leadership.
Teach your child the importance of truthfulness. If they make a mistake, encourage them to admit it and learn from it. Help them understand that a leader’s reputation is built on trust.
5. Encourage Perseverance
Lincoln failed many times before becoming president. He lost several elections but never gave up. His perseverance helped him achieve his goals.
Children will face challenges in school and life. Instead of allowing setbacks to discourage them, teach them to keep trying. Share stories of people who failed before succeeding. This will help them understand that challenges are part of the journey to becoming a leader.
6. Teach Compassion and Empathy
A true leader cares for others. Lincoln’s leadership was driven by his deep compassion for people, which led him to abolish slavery.
Encourage your child to show kindness, help others, and consider different perspectives. Teaching them empathy will help them become leaders who inspire and uplift those around them.
7. Expose Them to Inspiring Stories
Children learn best through examples. Read books or watch documentaries about great leaders like Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, or Malala Yousafzai. Discuss the challenges they faced and the qualities that made them great leaders.
Stories like these help children connect with leadership values and see that they, too, can make a difference.
On a Final Note
Helping your child become a leader is not about making them the loudest voice in the room. It’s about teaching them to think critically, work hard, communicate well, stay honest, persevere through challenges, show empathy, and inspire others—just like Abraham Lincoln did.
At uLesson, we believe that every child has the potential to lead. With the right guidance, they can develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life. Start today by encouraging your child to take on small leadership roles at home and in school.
