One of the most rewarding parts of being a parent is seeing your child grow into the person they’re meant to be. You see them fulfill every small part of their personality and see how they share their opinions and views with those around them. Every single child is different and has their own quirks and individual habits.
But, how can you encourage your child to simply be themselves and allow their sense of individuality to grow. We live in a world of peer pressure and it’s more important than ever before to encourage your child to simply be who they are and not be pressured into hiding any part of their wonderful and vibrant personality.
Show Enthusiasm and Become Involved in Their Hobbies
While you may not share your child’s enthusiasm when it comes to soccer or music, it’s important to support them, be enthusiastic and show your involvement. This encourages them to continue doing what they love and, more importantly, also shows them that following your interests, regardless of what they are, is a vital part of life.
Encourage Your Child to Speak up
Ask your child lots of questions about the things they enjoy, how they’re feeling, how their day was, and how things are going with their friends. The more they’re able to talk about their feelings and express their opinions, the more able they’ll be to allow their individual personality to shine through.
A child who knows that they can talk to their parent about what’s going on in their life is more likely to embrace their individual nature and be comfortable in their own skin. They know you’re there for them, whatever happens.
Don’t Bring up Their Inconsistency
Your child is trying to find their place in the world and that means they’re going to try many different things. One day they may love learning the piano, but two weeks later they’re tired of it and want to play sports. Rather than becoming angry about their change of heart, support them. This is how they learn what they enjoy and show their personalities to the world.
Your child might suddenly fall in love with wearing clothes that are out of fashion or that just don’t match – none of that matters. They’re expressing themselves through different means and it’s important for you to be there for them throughout it all.
Show Your Child New Experiences
Rather than pushing them into trying new things or going somewhere, simply expose your child to different activities and places. The more they’re opened up to different experiences, the more they’ll see the world and become a well-rounded, open-minded person. It will also help them to see different activities and perhaps feel that they want to try them out for themselves. Otherwise, how are they supposed to know they exist?
[Also Read : The Impact of the Pandemic on Children: A Look at How Kids Are Doing Almost 3 Years Later]
Never Push Aside Their Dreams
If your child suddenly pipes up over breakfast that they want to be an astronaut, don’t push their dreams aside. How do you think the astronauts of today actually made their dreams come true? Encourage your child and instill a sense of ‘anything is possible’ within them.
A child that feels free to dream big is far more likely to go forth and conquer any dream they have, and enjoy it all along the way.
Encourage Them to Set Goals
If your child decides they want to do something, help them to set appropriate and realistic goals to allow them to get there. This tactic also builds confidence and motivation at the same time. With every step achieved, they’ll feel a step closer to where they want to be and it will allow them to become the person they’re striving to become.
Watching your child grow into their personality is such a rewarding and wonderful experience. With these few tips, you’ll help them to feel confident and able to allow their individuality and personality to shine through.
