Parents and educators who serve as leaders have an obligation to set children up for success, not failure.

They exist as models who clarify expectations, set limits and ensure safety and support. They empower children to perform and produce results. Parents and educators who work together nurture, support and inspire each other to establish goals that will help children with problem-solving, peer pressure, respect and internal accountability.

Open communication must be established and used as a key element for building healthy relationships, enhancing team-building skills and creating synergy within a family or group of individuals.

When acting in a leadership capacity, character always counts!

Our character develops as we grow and learn from experiences. We develop attitudes that are shaped by our experiences as a result of our behavior.

Bennis and Goldsmith (1997) suggest that true leaders have a purpose and direction for their goals.

They also know how to generate trust and optimism. Yet, most importantly, they are knowledgeable of how to convert purpose and vision into action. They are not complacent and vulnerable. Leaders who have integrity demonstrate: a desire for success, competent skills and knowledge, and a positive character that others admire.

Whether a parent or an educator, it is always wise to ask probing questions, test your own perceptions and check the facts before making crucial decisions within the home or school.

In order to teach young people to perform certain tasks, inspire and empower them.

Build a shared trust and sustain it with repeated interactions and consistency.

Teaching a child to “do” requires more than words. One must begin by initiating hope and direction; role-modeling the exact expectation to produce better results.

When children experience success, their attitudes change. Consequently, their attitudes affect their peers and others who surround them. Having a passion for young people is important, but knowing that they will some day represent our future is vital to acknowledge.

As adults, choices must be made that affect the way our children grow. As a result, the choices we make for them while they are young can shape the interests and values that will determine what choices they will make for themselves as they mature.

One choice that educators hope parents will make at home is to encourage children to read. Find appealing and age-appropriate books.

Reading together provides an opportunity for quality time together while learning. It is important for young people to see others enjoying the gift of reading.

Books are easy to carry and are wonderful tools for escaping time-wasting activities.

Whether winter, summer, spring, or fall, reading is always good for all.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne. Her column is published twice a month exclusively in the Daphne Bulletin and on BaldwinCountyNow.com.