Kids Are Weird, and That’s a Good Thing: Helping Them Embrace Uniqueness

Let’s be real: kids are weird. They are unapologetically themselves, sometimes in ways that can seem downright bizarre to others. From dressing up like superheroes in public to obsessing over the strangest hobbies, childhood is a time of exploration, imagination, and sometimes a little bit of weirdness. As a parent or caregiver, it can be hard to watch when your child’s quirks don't seem to be well-received by others. But how do we support them in embracing their individuality while also preparing them for the social realities they’ll face?

Here’s the thing: weirdness is often just another word for unique.

As adults, we might have our own idea of what’s “normal” or acceptable, but kids don’t operate within those boundaries. They are experimenting with ideas, identities, and behaviors, and all of that “weirdness” is part of the beautiful, messy process of becoming who they’re meant to be.

The Power of Embracing Uniqueness

It’s important to teach kids that being different is cool. In fact, it’s often the things that make someone stand out that end up being their greatest strengths. But being unique can sometimes feel like a lonely road, especially if others don’t understand or appreciate the quirks. This is where preparation comes in.

Talk to your kids openly about how not everyone will think the way you do is cool. That’s the reality of life. People have different preferences, different ideas of what’s acceptable or fashionable, and sometimes those differences can be hard to navigate. This is the tough part, but it’s essential for building resilience.

What to Do When the Weirdness Isn’t Well-Received

Being weird in front of a supportive crowd is easy. The challenge comes when your kid’s unique quirks are met with judgment or exclusion. Rather than trying to shield them from those moments, help them develop strategies for handling criticism or negative attention.

One great way to do this is through role-playing. Practice situations where someone might say something hurtful or dismissive, and help your child think through how they want to respond. Here are some potential responses:

• “My mom says it’s okay to be me, and I like it, so I’m okay with it.”

• “Your opinion doesn’t matter to me on this subject.”

• “I’m happy with who I am, and I don’t need anyone’s approval.”

These responses help empower kids to stand up for themselves and remain confident in their uniqueness. By practicing these scenarios, you can equip your child with tools to handle difficult social situations with grace.

When my boys were younger, they wanted to get their nails painted. I had no problem with it, but I knew people in our lives might have something to say about boys with painted nails. So, I had a conversation with them. I let them know that others might comment, and asked if it bothered them. They said it didn’t.

Then, we practiced some responses. “If someone says, ‘Why do you have your nails painted—that’s for girls,’ what will you say?” We went over a few replies, and when those comments came, the boys handled it like pros. It was a simple way to help them feel confident in their choices, no matter what others thought.

As parents, our job is to guide our children in discovering who they truly are—quirks and all—and help them navigate the realities of the world. You’ve got this!

Balancing Public Weirdness and Private Quirks

It’s also important to understand that kids may not want to be “weird” all the time, especially in social situations where they’re trying to fit in. There’s nothing wrong with having different levels of expression—what you might consider public weirdness versus private weirdness. Encourage your child to think about how they want to be perceived, not by conforming to others’ expectations, but by making intentional choices about when and where to express themselves.

This doesn’t mean they should hide their true selves, but it’s important to teach them that they can adjust their behavior depending on the situation. It’s okay to choose a more toned-down version of their uniqueness when it feels appropriate, but also to fully embrace who they are when they feel comfortable.

Supporting Their Journey

Ultimately, the goal is to make sure your child feels empowered to be themselves, no matter what. Let them know that their individuality is something to be proud of, even if it isn’t always celebrated by others. And when the inevitable awkward moments arise, help them navigate through them with confidence, knowing that being different isn’t a flaw—it’s their superpower.

So, are you ready to embrace your child’s weirdness? I can almost guarantee that, if you do, they’ll grow into a confident, unique individual who isn’t afraid to be themselves in a world that sometimes pressures everyone to conform.

Let’s raise a generation of kids who celebrate their quirks, because let’s face it—kids are weird, and that’s a very, very good thing.