Internships are invaluable in developing a child’s knowledge base, empathy, awareness and global mindedness. Parents should encourage their child to explore and take up opportunities that develop skills of listening, talking, debating, engaging and leading.
Another opportunity that parents can provide their child with is volunteering, which develops and inculcates a sense of selflessness and giving in their child. It drives home the realization of what a child has and what is often taken for granted. Volunteering is a truly active way of giving and sharing as it is actionable and has immediate outcomes for the giver and receiver. By caring for the less fortunate or those affected by social and natural disasters, your child will become a global citizen, aware of their place in their world and how to lead in making a change.
Student government and organizations are powerful ways in which students can lead, through innovation, responsibility, diplomacy, service and action. Participation in these are very real ways in which your child can become a leader as they offer opportunities to develop speaking, debating, collaboration and problem solving skills. Participation in these should therefore be encouraged and nurtured.