inauguration

Its inauguration day and all eyes are on Washington D.C. as Donald Trump begins his journey as the 45th President of the United States. Without a doubt, the magnitude of leading one of the most powerful countries in the world is enormous.  As I watch and observe both the anticipation as well as the uncertainty around Mr. Trump’s qualifications and ability to fulfill this vast responsibility, I think about what could help him succeed.

As a family coach and someone who has focused on relationships and working through the trials and tribulations of leading a family, I can’t help to think of a parallel in the role of a President and that of a parent. People’s lives are in your hands and their future depends upon your actions.

I have polled some of the popular tips and ideas for parenting to create:

10 parenting tips that may help President Trump:

  1. Love unconditionally: Care about the happiness of another person without any thought for what you might get for yourself.
  1. Choose your words wisely: Words can be encouraging or they can hurt. Think about what you want to say and how it will affect you will have on others before you put it into words.
  1. Listen: Give people a chance to share their thoughts and ideas. Let them know that you have heard them and will take their perspective into consideration
  1. Be Genuine and Honest: Sincerity and honesty will foster trust and confidence in your word and your actions.
  1. Practice Patience: Life is full of unexpected events and varying points of view.  Take a deep breath and pause before you respond or react.
  1. Face your challenges; don’t get rid of them. Avoidance or discharging a challenge will not resolve matters.  In fact, it could make things worse.
  1. Act consistently. Consistency reduces anxiety and fear.
  1. Appreciate diversity: Embrace the many talents, cultures, abilities, and landscape of our world.
  1. Create a Safe Environment: Ensure that your decisions and actions create a safe place to live.
  2. Be Accountable: There are eyes on everything you say and do. You may be questioned on many things.  It’s your obligation to provide an answer.