Assuming leadership roles

Had a chat with gorgor about his new school term so far. He told me his friends have voted him as group leader again. He lamented that he doesn't like to be group leader as he would rather play during recess than helping his group members on their corrections. I was surprised as I thought it was just helping the teacher collect & distribute books in class. I didn't expect the group leader to coach other members academically.

I was dumbfounded. As a mum, should I discourage him from helping others? Did the teacher assign additional roles because she thought he was capable to handle? Was he just complaining or really not happy with the arrangement? Could he have feedback to his teacher himself?

I was class monitress and prefect throughout my pri school days. I don't remember helping the class with anything academic except running errands, taking attendance & filling up forms. I wasn't especially happy or reluctant about being the class monitress. I hope my son can take on roles within his capabilities and develop his leadership qualities at this age.

I guess I'll just be his listening ears at the moment. He may just be group leader for a term like last year. If he thinks he doesn't want to continue, he must learn to speak up for himself. Afterall, we don't enjoy doing everything we are assigned. We need to fulfill obligations and duties at certain circumstances. I think it's part & parcel of growing up.