How to nurture the leader within your child

Parents as Teachers

You are your child’s first and best teacher. You can help your son or daughter discover the leader within and prepare for a great life of contribution to the world. The absolute best way to reinforce the importance of the 7 Habits and to make sure your child lives them is to model them in your behaviour.

Keep It Simple

Look for ways to integrate the 7 Habits into what you are already doing. Think of it not as one more thing, but as a better way of doing what you are already doing. Go at a pace that works for your family. You can plunge in all at once or work at it slowly. Either way, you will see improvements as you reap the benefits of living timeless and universal principles as a family. Remember, your child possesses unique gifts and talents. Think about what these are and what you can do to nurture and develop them.

Stay Connected With the School

As parents, you are busy, and often it is not possible for you to physically be at the school. However, there are other ways to stay connected and nurture the leader in your child.

• Read notes coming home.
• Read aloud to your child, pointing out or asking which habit the characters in the story used. (The same can be done for movies.)
• If you cannot attend parent meetings, get the phone number of someone who did attend and ask for the information you missed.

Habits 1–7

Habit 1: Be Proactive®

I am a responsible person. I take the initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind®

I plan and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an essential part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit 3: Put First Things First®

I spend my time on the most important things. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organised.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win®

I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. When conflicts arise, I look for a win-win solution.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood®

I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoint (paradigm). I listen to others without interrupting. I listen with my ears, my eyes, and my heart. I am confident in voicing my ideas.

Habit 6: Synergize®

I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas because I know that by teaming with others, we can create better solutions than what any one of us could alone. I look for Third Alternatives.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw®

I eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep (body). I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school (brain). I spend time with family and friends (heart). I take time to find meaningful ways to help people (soul). I balance all four parts of myself.

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