September 7, 2008 6:52 PM
Piper Palin - early signs of leadership in kids
One of my kids was like this more than any other. I will never forget how Maddy - my ninth - would run ahead of the family when we were out, saying, "I the leader."
Or summon waiters to our table to order more guacamole.
Always self-assured and confident -
Notice how Piper cues the big brothers and sister when to stand up:
Do you have children like this?
How much do you think is inborn and how much the product of her spending so much time with her mom at work as governor? I tilt toward the inborn potential being released if the circumstances allow.
Posted in Campaign 2008, Mothering | Permalink
Comments
Nature and nurture, huh? I saw her waving at the convention, and agree with you!
Posted by: Lynn | September 7, 2008 7:03 PM
I was taken with that, too, the way she cued the others to stand up. And the way she made a point of waving to everybody, even the people in the nosebleed seats.
Watch out for Piper! She's a pistol!
Posted by: Christina | September 7, 2008 7:23 PM
My third (a daughter) is this way--I have affectionately (but totally truthfully!) nicknamed her Miss Bossy Pants. Her assertiveness is in marked contrast to her older siblings, who have always been much more reserved.
I think that birth order and environment can contribute to a child's personality, but think that most of it is inborn.
Posted by: KatieButler | September 7, 2008 7:34 PM
Barbara,
I, too, am moved by Pipers' actions and demeanor. I am doing the best I can to learn about tuning in to my children's potential and helping them to make the most out of their God-given talents and strenghts. I just want you to know that you and your writings are helping me immensely on that path. Thank you for the hard work you have put into what you do. I, for one, appreciate it more than you can possibly know.
Thank you,
Steph
Posted by: Steph | September 7, 2008 7:49 PM
This would definately make for a fascinating discussion. I see " leader" qualities in my first born and my third born so far........A little less obvious in my third born because he is not quite 3....
I think h.schooling moms really appreciate this quality.......It's good to have help from an eager child who wants some leadership.
Posted by: Lisa | September 7, 2008 8:12 PM
Based on my experience with my siblings, and also watching my nieces & nephews, I really think a lot of it is just inborn. I do think talents can be cultivated, but some things just come naturally. My youngest nephew seems to be a natural and his sister, older cousins, and older friends all follow his lead.
Posted by: Renee | September 7, 2008 9:01 PM
My son was born a strong leader. He came into this world with an agenda and has been busy working through it for ten years now.
My husband and I are both pretty easy-going and compliant and we have to constantly remind ourselves and our wonderful son that he is not the parent!
Fortunately, Nathaniel's leadership skills are tempered with great empathy and compassion. I watch in wonder as God fashions him into a great young man.
Posted by: Elizabeth M. Thompson | September 7, 2008 9:28 PM
Defenitely inborn. After raising seven children I can absolutely tell you without reservations that 80% of what we have is genetic. As far as birth order, don't believe it, God is much bigger than that.
Posted by: Donna | September 8, 2008 9:38 AM
She seems like such a natural doesn't she? She sure is starting her campaigning early! :) I thought it was so cute how she was always waving to the crowd. I think she has picked up on her mother doing that and has followed suit.
Posted by: Anne | September 8, 2008 2:20 PM
