How to Instill Responsibility and Leadership Skills in Every Child

Not every child is a natural-born leader - but all can develop leadership abilities

By Priscilla Greear

Volunteer together at The Salvation Army shelter and experience Miami homelessness. Coach your child in the candidacy speech for student council--framing any defeat as excellent public speaking experience. Encourage teamwork, talents and interests through basketball, ballet or piano competition.

Whether Miss Popular or the Different Drummer Boy, independent, shy or charismatic, all children can find their stride and lead in some area whether by formal responsibility or shining example. And parents can instill leadership skills for life as they encourage them to take simple responsibility and risks and explore interests as early as preschool.

Dancing Your Way to the Big Time

Destiny Delancy's growth as a dancer, student and person features in our 20th Anniversary campaign

When 6-year-old Destiny Delancy first walked into Armour Dance Theatre Program at Morningside K-8 school in Miami, she didn’t realize it would inspire her dreams. Destiny was a shy child and the prospect of performing in front of an audience was as unlikely as her going on to become a professional dancer. But more than 16 years later, she would be graduating from prestigious New York University’s Department of Dance at Tisch, with some considerable self-discovery and growth along the way.

“I grew up in Little Haiti. I was a pretty shy kid, like you wouldn't find me playing with all the other children, I was very much to myself,” explained Destiny. “At the time, I wasn't believing (in) myself. (But) the more I danced, the more I felt like I've been able to come out of my shell (and) find my personality. It helped me to really be open and to talk to people.” Destiny’s life would come to be built around dance as she crafted an education and career ambitions, while learning to express herself and find out more about who she was. 

Important The Children’s Trust Dates for 2023

Family Expo, Champions for Children, summer camps and more

Hopefully, the end of 2022 brought you celebrations or rest, whichever you needed most. As you and your children look forward to another year of growth, experiences and challenges, The Children’s Trust will be with you along the way, providing you with support, resources and events that help your children live their fullest lives. Here are some dates to look forward to.  

Freedom Soup by Tami Charles, Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara

The Children’s Trust Book Club offers age-appropriate free, monthly books by mail for children from 0-5 living in Miami-Dade.