Encouragement - Raising Kids Who Lift Others Up
Watch Your Child Shine
What if your child grew up to be the kind of leader everyone wanted to follow—the one who lifts people up instead of tearing them down?
As parents, we know the world isn’t always kind. Many of us have worked with team leaders or managers who, instead of inspiring, create toxic workplaces by playing favourites, gossiping, or tearing others down.
It’s frustrating, disheartening, and honestly—it’s common.
We can’t control those people, but we can raise children who do better.
Encouragement is more than a nice word.
It’s a skill of emotional intelligence—seeing the success of others and cheering them on, even when they’re doing better than you.
That takes genuine happiness for others and a lack of comparison.
Kids who learn this become encouragers, not critics—and that makes them great leaders in their friendships, schools, and eventually their workplaces.
Here are five real, practical ways to raise kids who lift others up:
Teach joy for others’ success.
When your child’s sibling wins a game, gently coach them to clap and say, “Great job.” Explain that celebrating others doesn’t take away from their own worth—it multiplies the joy.
Talk about the difference between leaders and managers.
Over dinner, share stories (age-appropriate) about adults who encourage and those who don’t. Say, “A real leader helps everyone do their best. A bad one makes people feel small.” It helps kids spot the difference early
Model encouragement even when it’s hard.
If a colleague gets a promotion you wanted, let your child hear you say, “I’m happy for them.” Kids learn that genuine encouragement isn’t about comparison—it’s about character.
Create family rituals of encouragement.
Try a weekly “encouragement circle” where everyone shares something uplifting about another family member. This builds the habit of noticing and appreciating others.
Call out toxic behaviour—tactfully.
When you see gossip or favouritism in the real world, explain to your child why it damages trust. Then contrast it with encouragement: “Encouragement makes people stronger. Gossip makes people smaller.” Kids learn to choose the better way.
Research shows that children who practice encouragement develop higher emotional intelligence and stronger leadership skills.
They’re more likely to build trust, inspire teamwork, and avoid the toxic behaviours that hold so many adults back.
Encouragement is a leadership trait in its purest form.
By raising kids who are genuinely happy to see others succeed, you’re shaping the leaders this world desperately needs.
This week, ask your child: “Who can you encourage today—even if they’re doing better than you?”
That one question could change the way they see leadership for life.
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About Trish Corbett
Passionate about helping new parents by sharing what she wishes she had known as a young parent so they can raise their children with clarity, confidence and values.
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