As a parent, the signs that you are raising a nerd can often be unmistakable. Recently, I tucked my son into bed and noticed a meticulously organized list of every book he owned taped to his bookshelf. “Is this your version of the Dewey Decimal System?” I asked, both impressed and slightly taken aback.
“Yes! I organized my books today,” he replied with evident pride, showcasing his cataloging skills. I had assumed he was simply playing on his tablet like most 10-year-olds, but instead, he was honing his librarian skills. This level of nerdiness was not something I anticipated until he reached high school.
Over the years, he has displayed numerous indicators of his nerdy inclinations. He has a penchant for wearing cardigans, he arranged his books in reading order before our Thanksgiving break, and for his birthday, he requested a calligraphy set. There was also the memorable moment before summer vacation when I excitedly reminded him of the upcoming break, only for him to respond, “Mom, I still have a lot of learning left to do. Don’t get too excited.” So, the Dewey Decimal System revelation wasn’t entirely shocking.
Strategies for Embracing Nerdiness
To ensure our son embraces his nerd identity with pride, we’ve adopted several strategies:
- We openly share our own nerdy interests. I excelled in math, while his father was part of an acapella group. We engaged in various nerdy activities and still managed to form meaningful relationships.
- We celebrate his unique interests. We emphasize that being “cool” doesn’t equate to excelling in sports. Although he’s not particularly athletic, he often prefers to stay home and create math problems or design blueprints over playing soccer.
- We instill in him the belief that nerds significantly impact the world. Icons like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Stephen Hawking serve as examples of how nerdy pursuits can lead to monumental achievements.
- We provide him with an abundance of books that cater to his interests, including titles on magic tricks, the mechanics of the universe, and even building robots with household items.
- Lastly, we equip him with strategies to handle potential bullying from peers.
I witnessed this firsthand at the playground when he approached me and said, “Hey, Mom! That kid just said I talk like a nerd!” My heart sank as I prepared for a supportive pep talk. Instead, he confidently replied, “That’s alright. That’s okay. You’re going to work for me someday.” In that moment, I felt an immense sense of pride.
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In summary, raising a proud nerd involves celebrating their unique interests, sharing your own nerdy experiences, and equipping them with the confidence to navigate social challenges. By fostering an environment that values learning and individuality, you can help your child thrive in their unique identity.