Should I encourage my son to be a Prefect?

Sooetie

My son is at the age when they are selecting prefects for the next couple of years.

He is a confident well-liked lad and would stand a good chance if he goes for it. He went on a Young Leaders Day last year - chosen by the teachers.

I have said it would be good for his future if he is selected and he should have a go for it.

I don't want to be too pushy so what do you think I should do now?

jd87

It's got nothing to do with whether you want him to. Does he want to?

Own_My_Own

Sooetie wrote: »

My son is at the age when they are selecting prefects for the next couple of years.

He is a confident well-liked lad and would stand a good chance if he goes for it. He went on a Young Leaders Day last year - chosen by the teachers.

I have said it would be good for his future if he is selected and he should have a go for it.

I don't want to be too pushy so what do you think I should do now?

Nothing. You have done what you can. It is now his choice.

Sooetie

I got the email from the school a few days ago and he actually brought up the subject, so I think secretly he does, just maybe doesn't want to go for it and not be selected

andygb

When I was at school, prefects were chosen, and to be perfectly honest I don't know what the criteria for selection was.
I do not agree with the prefect system and wich that it could be scrapped, because most of the prefects at our school abused their power, and simply used it as a tool with which to victimise students they did not like. They were allowed to set detention, something which happened to me a couple of times.
I believe that the whole ethos of giving extra power to a few selected children is wrong, and has a tangible effect on their behaviour in adult life.

mumlady1

Tell your son to go for it (assuming he wants to of course). If his teachers selected him for the young leaders course they obviously see some potential in him or think that it will benefit him in some way
My eldest son was a prefect and is now head boy. The boy I see at home is not the same boy he is at school & despite my reservations (which I never voiced to him obviously) he is a super head boy and a great role model to the younger kids:T
Even if he doesn't get chosen, this will also be a good learning experience and an opportunity for you to help him deal with rejection in a mature and positive way:)
I wish him the best of luck!

peachyprice

Sooetie wrote: »

I don't want to be too pushy so what do you think I should do now?

Nothing, you've told him what you think, it's now up to him to decide whether or not he wants to apply.

balletshoes

you've already encouraged him OP, so now you let him decide for himself.

Artytarty

Why would you not encourage him? I think hat fact he has told you about means he is seeking support. If you don't give it that sends a message that you don't think he is good enough.
It is a toy old world and small things like
Osier ions of responsibility can make a big difference to uni applications.
Tell him he will be a great prefect but that even is he does not get selected you will still very proud if him.

Mojisola

Sooetie wrote: »

I got the email from the school a few days ago and he actually brought up the subject, so I think secretly he does, just maybe doesn't want to go for it and not be selected

He's never going to achieve anything in life with this attitude. If he goes for it and doesn't get selected, help him deal with the disappointment and that will give him ways of coping with future let-downs.

Robin_TBW

What the !!!! is a prefect? Sounds like the title of a member of a cult.