I Am Only 3 1/2, Can I Be A Leader?

I am only 3 1/2, can I be a leader? Yes, you can!

One year ago, we interviewed a number of parents if they would send their children to a centre which advocates leadership training for preschoolers.Out of the 20 parents, 95% said they would choose a centre which promotes creativity, rather than leadership. Despite the discouraging response, we still went ahead to advocate leadership training for preschoolers. Today, after one of year working with children as young as three years old, we know that children can be trained to think and act as leaders. How do we know that?

1. Through our daily observation of the children's behaviour,
2. Through the children's words and actions, and
3. From parents' feedback.

This is a story of Adam who is now four years old.
Just three days ago, when Teacher DJ invited the children to line up, she said, "Amazing Leaders". Adam replied confidently, "I am a leader." He said it for a number of times as he engaged in various activities during the day. This learning experience indicated that the child now knows that he is a leader. As a leader, you play a role, that role is to do and say what is right. Adam has learnt to tidy up the learning materials, remind his friends to tidy up and put away his snack box after snack time independently.

One other story was a story shared by a parent. This is a story of five-year-old Dan. One day, Dad and Dan went to J Co at Giant to get some doughnuts. Here is the conversation that took place between them after Dan learnt the word and concept of "respect".

Dan : Dad, can I get the mini doughnut?

Dad : No, Dan. This one comes in a pack of 24. You cannot finish all of them.

Dan : I can keep some for tomorrow.

Dad : It won’t be fresh anymore. I suggest you go for the big doughnut and select the one you like.

Dan : Dad, can you please respect my decision.

Dad : Dan, can you please respect my suggestion.

This story also shows that Dan knows what his rights are, he is able to make decisions and subsequently, request his dad to respect his decision.

Children are full of potentials. They can become leaders at a tender age of three. All you need to do is to believe, believe and believe!