Once, when my son was about two years old, someone affectionately called him “a little oddball” while he was lost in his own world of playful antics. She said it with warmth, yet I felt a mix of surprise and uncertainty—should I laugh or give her a side-eye? Fast forward nearly two years, and I’ve come to cherish his genuine nature more than anything else — those “quirky kids” like my son are unapologetically themselves.
He confidently sports his Batman costume during a routine grocery run, completely unfazed by onlookers’ reactions. If he ever thinks about what others might say, it’s likely that he believes he’s the coolest kid around. No room for self-doubt here!
He zooms down the street on his bike, pulling up his sweatpants and sporting only a pair of goggles. Clearly, he’s a superhero in action. When my sister sends him a tutu meant for Halloween, he takes it as his own and twirls around for what feels like an eternity, eager to show off his moves to every guest.
At this age, he strikes the perfect balance between self-awareness and innocent authenticity. He cares about pleasing others but remains blissfully true to himself.
So often, the goal is to fit in. We strive for acceptance for ourselves and our kids. But what’s the real payoff? Is it worth sacrificing our individuality? Do we genuinely want our children (or ourselves) to just blend into the background? I’m starting to think our quirks are what make us shine—the unique traits that keep life interesting.
The people I admire the most are those delightful eccentrics—the ones who embrace their individuality. They don’t fade into the crowd; they stand out, celebrating what makes them unique. They don’t seek validation from others; instead, they listen to their own instincts. These bold individuals aren’t shunned for their quirks; they’re respected for them. It takes guts to be unapologetically oneself, and honestly, people are drawn to that authenticity.
Realness is refreshing. Even if the truth stings, there’s value in honesty. My son isn’t shy about sharing his thoughts—like when he bluntly tells me, “Mama, your messy bun doesn’t look good.” I might shed a tear or two, but mostly, I appreciate his straightforwardness.
My husband is similarly candid. He doesn’t sugarcoat his opinions; he tells it like it is, and I treasure that honesty more than polite niceties. I seek out this trait in my friends as well—no more guessing games about what they really think. One of my friends is particularly direct, saying, “Come over, but please leave by 5 so I can have family time.” Her honesty allows me to relax and enjoy our time together, knowing she’s not acting out of obligation.
My son expresses his feelings, preferences, and moods without hesitation, a skill I admire and aspire to replicate. As someone who occasionally struggles with people-pleasing, I recognize the importance of bravery and sincerity over mere niceness. The ‘quirky kids’ have so much to teach us!
My son embodies both the desire to make others happy and the commitment to stay true to himself. My job is to nurture that delicate balance as he grows. I want him to be kind and considerate, yet also self-assured and genuine. From the people I admire, I know these qualities can coexist beautifully. It’s all about having a kind heart paired with fearless confidence.
I hope he feels free to wear cowboy boots with shorts if that’s what he wants, not out of concern for being teased or the hope of starting a trend, but simply because he doesn’t care what anyone thinks. If he continues to march to the beat of his own drum, he’ll not only cultivate self-acceptance but might become quite influential in the process.
Now, when I think back to that moment someone called him a little oddball, I’m at peace with it. If being a little odd means embracing his uniqueness, I hope he stays just that.
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In summary, my son’s quirks make him uniquely him, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Celebrating individuality is essential in a world that often pressures conformity.