Friendly Leaders Start at Home + Gift + Video
By Jean Tracy, MSS
Parents often ask,
How can I help my child become a leader at school?
One of the best answers is simple: teach them to be friendly first.
How Parents Can Teach Friendly Leadership at Home
Friendly leaders do not need to be the loudest, the most popular, or the boss of the group.
They lead by noticing people, helping in small ways, and making others feel like they belong.
At home, parents can build this habit by asking questions such as,
Who might need help at school tomorrow?
or
Who could you include this week?
These short conversations help children look beyond themselves and notice classmates who may feel left out, unsure, or discouraged.
Leading by Helping Classmates in Everyday School Moments Children can lead by helping:
They might hold the classroom door when others are carrying materials, offer to show a new student where to line up, explain game rules kindly, or ask a classmate,
Do you want me to check the directions with you?
Small acts of help teach children that leadership is service, not control.
Leading by Including Others in Groups, Lunch, and Recess
Children can also lead by including others:
During group work, they can make sure everyone has a job, invite a quiet classmate to share an idea, or suggest that the group rotate roles so no one is left out.
At lunch or recess, they can make room, use someone’s name, and say,
Come join us.
These words can change a child’s whole day.
Free Helping Makes Friends Activity for Kids and Families
I made a free “Helping Makes Friends” download for your family.
Cut the cards apart, talk about them together, choose a favorite, and post it where your child will see it often. Scroll to the bottom of this article, insert code word, HELPING, and download your gift.
Watch, Discuss, and Choose One Friendly Leader Action
Watch this 1-minute video with your child, then ask: “What is one friendly leadership action you can try this week?”
Your free gift
To download the free gift for this article, submit the gift code: helping