Embrace Authenticity: 6 Tips for Nurturing Your Child's True Self

The other day I was snacking…on applesauce…out of the jar. I just needed a little fuel, and it was the perfect thing for ME at that moment. Two of our adult children were at home, and they were, as usual, astounded by my food choice and poked fun at me. I’ve always been a “weird” eater, and guess what? I don’t care whatcha think! This, my friends, is the peace that comes from living your authentic self, and a trait we must strive to nurture in our kids.

Now, I am not talking about living in a fantasy world and doing things that cause harm to yourself and others due to misguidance or confusion. What I mean here is striving to be the you that you were created to be! It’s being comfortable in your own skin so much so that you love yourself and, as a result, take care of the beautiful temple you’re in (such as eating healthy, organic applesauce when your temple is hungry!).

As we become adults, self-awareness and self-doubt start bubbling up, and our awareness of others’ perceptions of us becomes more prominent. We can change from that little goofball who proudly wore plaid pants with a striped shirt to an adult who is sometimes afraid to wear anything but black. It is hard to maintain our individuality – and it can be quite painful to watch our children go through this.

​Encouraging children to embrace their authentic selves is vital for their overall development and well-being.

Here are 6 strategies parents can use to support their child’s truest self:

1. Take Interest in Their Interests
   You might like sports and history; your kiddo might like art and math – and that’s ok! Ask engaging questions about your children’s true interests and strive to find ways for them to learn more. When he was a toddler, you took him to baseball games, so now find an art show to attend. Ask for his help when you have a numbers problem to solve. Find out what makes your children feel good about who they are and help that authenticity in them occur as much as possible!
2. Maintain a Strong Physical Connection
   Oh, it’s so fun to hug those babies and toddlers. Our touch lets them know how deeply we adore them. But what about as our kids grow older? Maintaining a physical touch – brushing hair, sitting close on the couch – goes far in helping your kids feel loved and accepted, which supports their authenticity.
3. Encourage Self-Expression and Exploration
   Create a comfortable environment where your child feels relaxed expressing her thoughts and feelings, and exploring new ideas. Instead of telling her how to handle every situation, try to become an active observer. Being a sounding board for her ideas can show her that you respect who she is and trust that she can work through decisions.
4. Teach Resilience
   Resilient children are more likely to stay true to themselves in the face of challenges. Help children develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks – mistakes and failures aren’t reflections of our worth, they’re growth opportunities. Help your children understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and both are part of everyone’s authentic, unique self.
   🔗 See: Developing Resilience in Children: The Power of Persistence
   
   🔗 See: Everyone Makes Mistakes–Here’s How to Help Your Kids Learn From Theirs
5. Discuss Peer Influence
   In a world flooded with social media and the pressure to conform, talk to your child about the impact of peer pressure and the importance of making choices aligned with their values, rather than doing what’s “popular” or conforming to fit in.
   🔗See: Teaching Kids the Value of Integrity)
6. Model Authentic Behavior
   Demonstrate authenticity in your actions. When your kids see you being true to yourself – being resilient, exploring your interests, not just following the crowd – they will more likely mimic that behavior.

As parents, we have a powerful role in shaping our children’s confidence in their authenticity. When we encourage them to explore their passions, express themselves freely, and stand firm in their values, we are giving them one of life’s greatest gifts – the peace that comes with being fully and unapologetically yourself!

For more on helping your kids stay true to themselves:

Nurturing your child's authentic self by Greenlight

How to Help Your Kids Stay True to Who They Are Now, and as They Grow Up by The Workspace for Children