The best way to help your child develop a healthy identity
Children are full of questions, aren't they?
Why is the sky blue, why is the grass green, what are clouds made of? Where do babies come from? 😧
But there are deeper, life-shaping questions that often go unasked.
Where do I belong? Why am I here? What influence do I have in my world?
All children will develop a sense of identity, but not all will be healthy, unfortunately.
Identity refers to a sense of who we are, how others perceive us, and whether or not we are valuable within society. Having a strong sense of identity is about learning we are valued, we belong, and that there is meaning for our lives.
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Children with a healthy identity ask questions and try new things. They know what they believe and aren’t easily swayed by others’ opinions. They are persistent and have a strong sense that they can contribute to the world and make a difference.
To build a healthy identity, your child first has to feel they belong, which they will learn through secure relationships. As a parent, you will be one of their most important relationships, in particular before their school age years. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help ensure your young child begins a healthy identity development.
Listen to them - this shows them they are important and valued. Tell them you love them every day. Acknowledge their ideas without being dismissive or judgmental. Set boundaries, but also encourage them to try new things and make decisions within reason. Identify and value what makes them unique.
Encourage your young child to work through problems, and give them choices. This is empowering, and will build confidence and persistence.
All of these are fantastic ways to show your child how much you love them and value who they are. But I would say THE most important thing you can do to help shape your child’s identity is to share God’s love with them, starting the day they are born.
It’s never too early to share God’s Truth with your child.
To teach them they were created on purpose and for a good purpose by the Creator of the Universe. To point them to the Word of God so they can understand they were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139), and that there is significant meaning to their lives, beyond what the world would try to tell them.
There are many confusing identity messages targeted at our children these days. Let’s be counter-cultural by diligently sharing God’s Word with our kids. Let’s point them to God’s Truth above all, and to share His never-changing, never-failing, never-ending love with them. This is what will help them develop a strong, healthy identity that cannot be shaken.
Check out Guess How Much God Loves You available on AMAZON, perfect for ages 5-10.
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