As we walked down 14th Street in Washington D.C., I noticed on my left a small park with a man talking through a microphone. He continued to speak as we walked by the park. Most odd was that no one was assembled to listen to him. In fact, not even those in the park in close proximity were paying any attention to him.

We continued towards the Washington Mall and off to the right was the ascending and majestic looking Washington Monument. Though the first President has long been gone, countless people were walking up and around the Monument. The contrast between the man in the park speaking to no one and the long deceased President continuing to move and influence thousands was striking. I define leadership as the ability to influence others.

When it comes to influencing your child, is your leadership comparable to the man speaking to no one, or is more like that of General Washington who is highly regarded and influential even when not present?