“I am ME, and you are YOU.”
By this age, children begin to realize that people can be different from each other. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, and their own special features. Differences make us who we are and should be celebrated. Yet, children often gravitate to people who are look and act similar to them. Watch for behavior that might be unfair or hurtful, and encourage them to embrace people and things that are different.
Your kid is awesome!
Make sure they know it. Ask your child what they like about themselves. What are they good at? What makes them unique?
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. Ask your child what they like about themselves. What are they good at? What makes them unique?
Your child is GROWING and changing every minute!
- Help them track their growth on a growth chart, allowing them to mark their height each week, month, or year.
- Look at baby pictures with your child. Have them point out the differences they see in themselves. Talk about the special things you remember about them at each age.
Your child is starting to understand that people can fall into more than one group or category.
Talk to your child about all the different roles that people can play.
- Moms are not just moms, they are doctors and soccer players and extra-amazing snugglers. And dads are not just dads, they are chefs and singers and super-awesome bath-givers.
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- Ask your child about the many things they can do, like say their ABCs, quick-zip their jackets, and be a good friend. Each of these things makes them special…and no one can do things exactly the way that they can.
Be open when talking about people’s roles and groups.
- It’s okay if someone doesn’t fit into the category that we think they should fit in. Don’t try and convince your kids that there is a right or wrong way to be.
- Keep challenging your own thoughts and assumptions about specific groups. Why can’t boys wear makeup? Why shouldn’t girls collect bugs?
Your child notices everything about the people around them.
They might be confused that people look or act differently than they do.
- Talk about concrete and specific differences between you and your child, between your child and their siblings or friends, and between you and others in your life. Remind them that they are special because they have their own unique qualities, and so do others.
- Have your child draw pictures of people in their lives. Talk with them about what they’ve drawn. Ask them to describe/explain their pictures to you and what makes the people in their pictures unique and special.
As your child realizes they are their own person, they will begin to figure out that their thoughts and feelings are not the same as yours. That’s okay! Allow your child to make their own decisions when appropriate.