This season at Cornerstone we are focused on Leadership, in all aspects. While we pour most of our energy into our workplace, it’s critical not to forget what happens when you leave the office. Being a leader doesn’t end at work. We have to remember that God calls us to be leaders in our family. Moms and Dads, your kids look up to you, admire you and follow you. The example you show in your household each day will lead your children into adolescence and adulthood.

A perfect parent doesn’t exist: we all fail, make mistakes, and give our kids a pacifier that the dog licked 30 seconds before. Parenting is a blessing and a struggle, every single day. Being a parent is a job but it’s a lifelong job. Our job isn’t done when they’re grown and able to spread their wings and fly – you’re a parent forever. Your kids will always look up to you, long after they move out. The example you set for them now will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

By no means are these required to be a good parent, but just like we work to be a better employee every day, we should all strive to be better friends, parents and leaders! Check out these few ways you can lead by example with your kids.

1. Get your hands dirty : It’s so crucial, especially in today’s world that is full of technology and convenience, to teach your children what a little elbow grease can do. This will take them far in life, knowing that it is okay to get a little dirty in order to get the job done. Also, this will give your kids a sense of pride knowing they can tackle things on their own, without asking for help!
2. Say No: Kids love this two letter word, but they don’t react well when hearing it. The real world isn’t butterflies and rainbows – life is tough and things don’t always go the way we want them to. Training your children now to understand the world and how to deal with the disappointment will help them in adulthood.
3. Show that you’re human: Being a human is tough, am I right? Mistakes happen, we become overwhelmed with emotion but how we react to each situation is what makes us a leader. Make sure your kiddos understand that it’s okay to make a mistake, as long as they know they have to fix it afterwards.

Making sure our kids have all the necessary guidance for being a strong leader is our job. We, as parents, are given a job to pave the road for our children. Making sure they excel in leadership will do nothing but set them up for success!

Read more about this topic: “8 Powerful Way to Mold Your Children into Leaders” | Travis Bradberry