Helping Your Child Express Their Individuality

Helping your child express themselves is a great way for them (and you as a parent) to get to know who they are and what they like as an individual. Here are a few was to foster and strengthen your bond to your child, while helping them explore and become more independent.

Find ways to bring out the little artist in your child

Go to your local craft store, big box store or dollar store and find a painting/crafting kit for you and your child to do together.

Find things in the community or in your home: small rocks/leaves to paint or use in a collage. Cotton balls, Q-tips, noodles, cut outs from magazines, newspapers/sales papers, string, anything extra lying around to create a picture, jewelry, or mask.

Support your child in finding their own style

Letting your child pick out their own clothing when shopping and getting dressed allows them to express how they are feeling (as long as it is age and weather appropriate). Second hand and vintage shops are a great option when your child is exploring their own style.

Provide your child with choices in what they eat, how they play, what they want to read, etc.

By allowing your child choice it helps them (and you) discover their interests as well as giving them a sense of control over their own decision making.

Cooking/baking is also a good way to let your child express themselves. Let your child help out in the kitchen (in an age appropriate way), have them pick out recipes and ingredients to try.

Encourage your children to explore their world

Take them to different parks, playgrounds, libraries for different sensory input and socialization.

Allow your children to find activities they are interested in (sports, art, music, tech) and encourage their interests by asking them questions and going to events/outings with them.

I should also be noted that peers can (and will) also influence your child’s interests, which can be either be good or bad. But as parents and as previous children ourselves, at one point or another we know what it was like to be bullied by our peers for our interests. It is important that you let your child know that it’s okay to be different, it’s okay to like things that others don’t and vice versa; that each person is unique in their own way. The main focus should be that your child knows what interests them and that they are loved for who they are, not for who they are not.