Every single person is unique and individual in their own way, shaped by the experiences and environments they grow up in. From a very young age, children learn their likes and dislikes, along with how they can express themselves. An important part of this is honoring their personality and showcasing it externally.

You are here because you are looking at how you can help your child be comfortable in their own skin, something so incredibly important to their upbringing and self of self.
So, listed below are a few recommendations to support them.

1) Encourage Them to Talk about Their Likes and Dislikes

Likes and dislikes are a fundamental part of personality, and you will find that even babies will gravitate towards certain things and repel them from others. While you can easily observe what children enjoy and are less bothered about, talking to them about it can show you are taking an active interest, which will help make them feel heard and cared for.

You can also use this information to make their lives more enjoyable, such as choosing kid clothing that make them feel uplifted and comfortable or allowing them to swap from football club to art club.

2) The Understanding that No Emotions are Bad

There is a real misconception that some emotions are good and others are bad. The real truth is that no emotions are ‘bad’ – they are all trying to tell someone something. It is how they are dealt with by the person experiencing them that is the important part.

Children will get angry, frustrated, disappointed, and hurt, just like the majority of adults will. It is less than fair to hold those feelings against them, especially when they don’t have the developmental maturity to deal with them.

If your child seems to be melancholy, irritable or sad, especially frequently, it is time for an open conversation with them. Children have much less autonomy than adults, and you are their advocate.

It might take them a while to open up, but they need to know that they can talk to you about their problems, in a calm, judgment-free environment. If something stops them from feeling like themselves, finding the cause to overcome or fix will go a long way into how they live their lives and behave.

3) Include Them in Decision Making

Being able to make their own choices can help children both express themselves and also help them strengthen their own preferences. When they are encouraged to make a choice themselves, instead of being told, they develop and strengthen their thinking skills. With every decision, there is a further understanding of their desires, which shape who they are.  

Remember, every child is different and needs the space and understanding to explore who they are at any given moment. As a parent, primary care giver, or someone in an authoritative role, helping children to express their personality helps them strengthen their sense of self. This builds up self-esteem and confidence, supporting them through all areas of life.