8, 10 & 12 Year Old Leadership

Work is throwing a curve ball again. But that's not what is important. Life is always throwing curve balls.

But what work is showing about leadership reminds me of my younger kids and their personal leadership ability.

My 8 year old has chores, knows she has to do them, but is too distracted by her Polly Pockets and little princesses to finish those household jobs. So we end up supervising her intensly until the chore is done. She hates it because the lure of the dolly calls! But she is young and learning. The chore must be done for the family to work, the chore has a time limit for completion, and her time is her own after she shakes the six rugs we ask her to do.

My 10 year old knows her chores, and does her chores, but her quality level is suspect. She wants to be done so she can read, run or whatever. So her pet's cage may be cleaned, but was the litter changed? Her room may look clean, but what does the closed door to the closet hide? We have to check on her from time to time and inspect the final outcome. She is getting the knack of personal leadership.

My 12 year old knows his chores, knows the quality level and most often produces. He still balks at the yucky jobs, like vacuuming the loose dog hair in the garage (does yours shed like mad in the spring?). But for the most part, he does a fine job of doing what needs to be done. We don't need to exert much supervision except for the final inspection.

These three are demonstrating a spectrum of personal leadership essential for daily functioning. What level are you?

Capable but distracted? Easily off task?

Capable but compromised quality?

Capable and trustworthy (mostly)?

The next level is one I pray for each child to exhibit. An older daughter is now able to do the chores at a quality level that is acceptable. However she also is adding to her life through the exercise of personal leadership. She adds those things, skills, and abilities that will make her life better. She is learning to ignore those things that would pull her down, or reject them when their caustic nature becomes apparent. She surprises us when she blesses my wife with a fruit smoothy. She normally doesn't need supervision, but adds to the household of her own free will.

Now there is a goal worth praying for you children's personal development. "Someday, son, you will have the chance to use the special gifts God has blessed you with to build your family and yourself up."

Independent, productive, additive, blessing. Now there is a vision for my children that I need to keep in front of me for the long haul.