“I am ME, and you are YOU.”
Children at this age are still learning that people can have their own likes and dislikes, and their own special features. Don’t be afraid to point out ways that people are different from each other – but do so in ways that communicate respect and excitement about those differences. Talk about how differences help us learn and create opportunities to try new things.
Being able to celebrate differences requires that children are able to celebrate the things that make them special. Your kid is awesome! Make sure they know it.
Your child is GROWING and changing every minute!
- Track their growth on a growth chart, and mark their height each week, month, or year. Point out how much they are growing and changing.
Keep challenging your own thoughts and assumptions about specific groups. Why can’t boys wear makeup? Why shouldn’t girls collect bugs?
- Look at baby pictures with your child. Talk about the special things you remember about them at each age.
Your child notices everything about the people around them. They might be confused that people look or act differently than they do.
- Find concrete ways to talk about individual differences by using meaningful examples.
- Talk about differences between you and your child, between your child and their siblings or friends, and differences between you and your own parents, siblings, and friends.
- Remind your child that they are special because they have their own unique qualities, and so do others.
Everyone has their own way of doing things, even your kids.
As your child realizes they are their own person, they will begin to figure out that their way of doing things may not be the same as yours. That’s okay! Allow your child to try doing things their own way when appropriate.
- Let them try eating applesauce with a fork. No harm no foul.
- Let them wear their pajamas backwards if they really want.
- Go ahead and let them wear their bathing suit in the bathtub or comb their hair with their toothbrush.