About the author
Lily Tamrick is the founder of Parent Hubspot and a passionate advocate for supporting parents through every stage of the journey. Drawing on her own experiences as a parent and her background in family wellness, Lily created Parent Hubspot to be a trusted resource filled with practical advice, expert tips, and encouragement. Her mission is simple: to help parents feel informed, confident, and supported as they raise happy, healthy children.
Parenting, for me, has always been a balance of gentle guidance, deep patience, and knowing when to step back and let my child try.
As a mom, I’ve realised that one of the most meaningful gifts we can give our children isn’t something you can wrap or plan on a calendar — it’s leadership.
When we nurture leadership early, we’re helping our kids learn how to think for themselves, find their voice, and inspire others, not just tick boxes or follow the crowd.
Leadership isn’t innate — it’s cultivated. Start small: model responsibility, let children make age-appropriate choices, and praise effort over perfection.
Encourage teamwork, empathy, and self-expression. The habits they build at 8 can define how they lead at 28.
1. Why Leadership Skills Matter Early
When children learn to lead — whether that’s organizing a playgroup, speaking up in class, or helping a sibling — they practice the soft skills that later drive career and personal success: communication, accountability, and confidence.
For more parenting insights, check out Parent Lab or The Gottman Institute’s parenting resources.
2. The Parent’s Role: Modeling Over Managing
Our kids don’t become leaders because they’re told to. They become leaders because they see one in action.
3. How-To: Turn Everyday Moments into Leadership Lessons
Checklist for Daily Leadership Moments
● ✅ Encourage decision-making: Let them choose between activities or meals.
● ✅ Create collaboration zones: Family projects where every voice counts.
● ✅ Reward initiative: Celebrate effort even when results aren’t perfect.
● ✅ Model “why” thinking: Instead of “Do this,” explain why it matters.
● ✅ Rotate leadership: Assign “team lead” for simple household tasks.
● ✅ Reflect together: Ask, “What did you learn from this choice?”
● ✅ Expose them to role models: Read or watch biographies of real-world changemakers.
Need good reads? Try Common Sense Media’s list of kids’ leadership books.
4. Leading by Example — Through Growth
Sometimes, the best way to teach leadership is to show your own commitment to growth.
Pursuing new qualifications — such as earning an advanced degree online — can demonstrate to your children what lifelong learning looks like. By exploring online paths to a healthcare administration degree, you can advance your career while modeling perseverance and purpose.
An online degree offers flexibility, making it easier to balance parenting, study, and work. Plus, in fields like healthcare, you’re showing your children how education can directly improve the well-being of families and communities.
FAQ: Parents Often Ask
Q1: What if my child is shy or introverted?
A: That’s okay — leadership doesn’t always mean being loud. Quiet leaders often excel in observation, empathy, and thoughtful action.
Q2: Should I correct them when they fail?
A: Guide them to reflect, not regret. Failure builds resilience — a key leadership muscle.
Q3: Can technology help?
A: Absolutely — use online collaboration tools or digital journaling apps like Daylio to help kids track goals and teamwork progress.
Q4: How young is “too young” to start?
A: Never too young. Even toddlers can choose their clothes or help “lead” a cleanup.
6. Bonus Spotlight: Product That Encourages Team Play
A great way to reinforce leadership through play is with cooperative board games like “Outfoxed!”, where kids learn strategy and teamwork rather than competition. They’ll practice negotiation, critical thinking, and shared success.
You can also explore creative STEM-building kits at KiwiCo or leadership-themed journals at Big Life Journal.
7. A Quick Leadership Growth Map
Wrapping It Up
Raising a leader isn’t about pushing ambition — it’s about teaching awareness, responsibility, and courage. When children feel heard, trusted, and inspired, they begin leading naturally.
And finally, don’t miss our favourite reads below — handpicked to help raise kind, capable humans and inspire the next generation of thoughtful, confident leaders. 💛
