Once, when my son was about two years old, a stranger referred to him as “a little weirdo” while he was joyfully engaged in some silly antics. She said it with warmth and a smile, but it caught me off guard. Should I laugh it off or defend him? Fast forward two years, and I’ve come to cherish my son’s authenticity — the “quirky kids” like him remain true to themselves.
He confidently dons his Batman costume during regular grocery runs, completely unfazed by what others might think. If he does consider their opinions, he likely assumes they view him as a total legend. No room for self-doubt here.
He zips down the street on his bike, sweatpants hiked up and wearing nothing but goggles—clearly a superhero in his eyes. When he finds the tutu my sister sent for Halloween, he claims it as his own and dances around for an hour, eager to showcase his moves to every visitor for days afterward.
At this age, he strikes the perfect balance of self-awareness. He values being liked but is still innocent enough to embrace his true self.
So often, we push our children—and ourselves—to fit in. But what do we gain from that? Acceptance? What do we compromise for it? Do we really want to fade into the background? I’m starting to realize that our unique traits are actually our strengths, the aspects that make us captivating.
The individuals I admire the most are those who proudly embrace their quirks. They don’t just fit in; they stand out and celebrate their differences. They don’t seek validation from others but instead trust themselves. Such authenticity commands respect, and it takes bravery to be unapologetically yourself. People are naturally drawn to those who are genuine and distinct.
Authentic individuals are sincere. Even when honesty stings, their straightforwardness is refreshing. My son, for instance, is quick to express his opinions, like when he bluntly tells me, “Mom, you don’t look pretty with your hair like that.” I might shed a tear, but I appreciate his honesty.
My partner is similar; he speaks his truth rather than telling people what they want to hear, and I deeply value that honesty. Friends who communicate openly help me feel relaxed in their company, knowing they won’t act out of obligation. One friend, in particular, will say, “Come over, but leave by 5 so I can have family time when my husband gets home.” Her ability to be straightforward allows me to enjoy our time together without second-guessing her feelings.
My son naturally shares his likes, dislikes, and moods, which I admire. As someone who struggles with the urge to please others, I recognize the importance of this trait. While people-pleasers can be kind, I’ve come to appreciate qualities like courage and authenticity even more. I believe the quirky kids have valuable lessons for us all.
My son exhibits both a desire to make others happy and a commitment to being himself. My goal is to nurture this delicate balance as he grows. I want him to be compassionate and considerate while remaining self-assured and genuine. The individuals I respect most embody this combination of kindness and fearless confidence.
I hope he continues to embrace his unique style, like wearing cowboy boots with shorts, without fear of judgment or the need to start a trend. If he stays true to himself, he not only fosters self-acceptance but also has the potential to inspire those around him.
Now, when I reflect on the time someone called my son a little weirdo, I find peace in it. If being “weird” means embracing one’s uniqueness, then I hope he always stays that way.
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Summary
Embracing uniqueness is a powerful trait, especially in children. The author shares their journey of celebrating their son’s quirks, advocating for authenticity over conformity, and recognizing the value of being true to oneself.