When my son was just two years old, a friendly stranger referred to him as “a little weirdo” while he was in the midst of his delightful, silly antics. She meant it affectionately, but I found myself momentarily unsettled by the label, torn between laughter and concern. Fast forward nearly two years, and I’ve come to appreciate that my son’s individuality is one of his most admirable qualities. Kids like him, the so-called “weird kids,” are unafraid to be themselves.
He confidently sports his Batman costume to the grocery store on any typical day, completely unconcerned about what others might think. If he happens to ponder their judgments, he likely considers himself a total superstar. There’s no room for self-doubt in his world.
He rides his bike down the street in nothing but his goggles and high-waisted sweatpants, embodying the essence of a superhero. When a tutu from my sister’s Halloween stash captures his fancy, he twirls in it for over an hour, eager to show off his new dance moves to every visitor in our home for days afterward. This stage of life is fantastic because he’s at that sweet spot of self-awareness—he desires approval yet remains blissfully authentic.
Often, we aim for conformity, both for ourselves and our children. But what do we gain from it? Acceptance? What do we sacrifice in the process? Do we genuinely wish to blend in with the masses? I’ve come to realize that our unique traits are what make us valuable; they are what distinguish us and add depth to our personalities.
Throughout my life, I’ve admired those who embrace their eccentricities—those who stand out rather than blend in. They celebrate their differences, refusing to shy away from what makes them unique. These individuals don’t seek validation from others; instead, they trust their own instincts. This authenticity commands respect rather than rejection. It takes a particular bravery to be unapologetically yourself, and such people attract others with their rare, genuine nature.
Authentic individuals are refreshingly honest. Even if it stings, their straightforwardness is appreciated. My son, for instance, isn’t shy about expressing his thoughts—“Mama, that messy bun doesn’t look pretty on you.” I might shed a tear, but I also value his honesty. My partner, Alex, shares this trait; he doesn’t tell people what they want to hear, but rather shares his true feelings, which I cherish more than empty pleasantries. I seek friends who possess this quality, as it eliminates the anxiety of wondering what they truly think or feel. One friend, in particular, is always straightforward, saying things like, “Feel free to come over, but please leave by 5 for family time.” Her honesty allows me to relax because I know she isn’t acting out of obligation.
My son expresses his preferences, emotions, and opinions with an ease I aspire to emulate. As someone who sometimes struggles with people-pleasing, I deeply appreciate this quality. While being agreeable is nice, I’ve learned to value traits such as courage and authenticity far more. The “weird kids” have a lot to teach us about self-expression.
My son inherently balances the desire to please others with the commitment to being true to himself. It’s my responsibility to nurture this balance as he grows. I want him to be kind and considerate while remaining confident in who he is. Through the people I admire, I believe these qualities can coexist beautifully, requiring a remarkable blend of compassion and fearless self-assurance.
I want him to have the confidence to wear cowboy boots with shorts without worrying about ridicule, not because he hopes to start a trend but because he simply doesn’t care what others think. If he continues to embrace his individuality during these formative years, he will reap the benefits of self-acceptance and the potential to inspire others.
Now, when I reflect on that comment about my son being a little weirdo, I feel a sense of peace. If being “weird” means embracing one’s uniqueness, I hope he always remains just that.
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In summary, embracing individuality in children is crucial. By nurturing their unique traits and encouraging authenticity, we help them develop confidence and strength that will serve them well throughout their lives.