National Youth Leadership Month/National Parent Leadership Month

It’s both National Youth Leadership and Parent Leadership Month, and I think this means the two should be discussed together. 

Leadership can be defined in multiple ways, such as “a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task” or “somebody whom people follow.” Either way, leaders can potentially influence those around them to make positive changes. Both youth and parent’s can very much be viewed as leaders in either of these definitions. 

National Youth Leadership Month was designed to promote the efforts of youth who have enlightened the world (local and global) to various leadership initiatives. By definition, youth leadership refers to “the practice of teens exercising authority over themselves or others.” Many youth leaders go one to become leaders throughout their adult life, as well. Examples of youth leaders are Craig Kielburger, who began when Free the Children when he was only 12, or 16-year old Malala Yousafzai who stood up for her rights and inspired the international community by beating the odds and coming up more positive and determined than ever. While these are only two examples, there are thousands more than do equal work, most of which we will never know a thing about. National Youth Leadership Month is about giving credit to these incredible young men and women who make it their responsibility to seek necessary change in the world around them.

Similarly, National Parent Leadership Month is geared towards placing emphasis on parental leadership. Basically, this month is meant to showcase the many parents who engage in leadership roles not only in their homes, but also in their communities. In this day and age, when we seem to praise celebrities for their “efforts” in inspiring young folks to aspire to be like them, it amazes me how one of the most incredible jobs anyone could take on is overlooked. I’ll be honest, I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a parent – not all of us are – but,  I have had the fortune of having a mother who exemplified parental leadership to the highest of highs! Its parents like my Mom (yes, I am admitting that she was not the only incredible parent out there, although I will happily argue that she was the best at what she did!), that make the world a better place, and make me feel so disappointed when todays youth strive to be something artificial instead of something of value. This could be said for how this same cohort favours fame over being an educator, doctor, or any other crucial occupation. Despite my mild rant, each and every one of you out there doing your best to raise your children while leaving a mark on the world around you, I say thank you and keep up the great work!