In the same way that no two snowflakes or fingerprints are the same, every child is unique in their own special way. Every child has a unique way of feeling, thinking, and interacting with others. Some children maybe shy, while others are outgoing; some are active, while others are calm; some are fretful, while others are easy-going. As a loving caring and nurturing parent, it is your job to encourage your child to embrace his/her uniqueness and celebrate their individual qualities.
Allow your child to blossom through their interests. This may be through performing, dancing or art, or they may be very gifted in the sciences. Encourage them to embrace what they like to do, to explore what really interests them, and makes them happy. Help them realize that they don't need to worry about being the same as everyone else.
Teach your child to make positive choices, and compliment them on the good things they do, model behaviour and the commendable traits they exhibit. Encourage them to become actively involved in their community, and introduce them to activities that promote a sense of cooperation and accomplishment. Be firm but fair when handing down discipline for adverse behaviour, and be sure to check the clear distinction between the rules and the consequences for breaking them. Show a cooperative, loving and united front as parents, when it comes to discipline.
Embrace and celebrate your child's individuality, as that is exactly what your child is - an individual. Let your child know that it is ok to have his or her own personal preferences and feelings, which may be different from your own.
To conclude, teach your child to be true to him/her by doing the same yourself. Show your child how to make positive choices with the choices you make, and that nobody is perfect and you make mistakes too! Show your child that making mistakes is a way of learning to do better through experience, and that they should not feel awkward or lose confidence as a result.
