Title: 7 Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Uniqueness - Child Development Institute
Headings: 7 Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Uniqueness
7 Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Uniqueness
For further reading on this topic, I recommend:
Your Unique Child
Every Child Is Unique As His/Her Fingerprints
Every Child Comes with Unique Potential
Every Child Is Born a Genius

Content: Those who study child development and work with children and adolescents understand that development is a result of both nature and nurture. While a child can excel in a number of ways, affirmation and encouragement from parents and others in their environment makes it more likely that they will actively engage in activities that will enable them to develop those capabilities. Unfortunately, some parents may have preconceived notions about how they want their child to grow up. They may picture them as becoming an athlete, a leader, an entertainer, or a professional in a particular field. Parents also want their child to be easy to get along with, friendly, cooperative, a quick learner, energetic, curious, and many other desirable characteristics. Some parents show disappointment when their child does not meet their expectations. When parents respond in this way, the usual outcome is a discouraged and frustrated child who may then respond in a number of different ways including anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, or oppositional- defiant behavior. Another obstacle to a positive parent-child relationship is when a child suffers from a developmental disability such as a learning disability, ADHD, Autism, or a speech-language delay, or a medical condition like asthma, diabetes, or a physical disability. When parents are able to see all of the positives and affirm them and provide encouragement while at the same time providing help and support for a challenging condition, a child is able to move forward, grow, and develop. Parental encouragement and support fosters the natural resilience found in children as well as self-acceptance.