Our middle child, Zoe, is truly a character. At just three years old, she received a baby doll, which she immediately and without hesitation named “Dog.” It was around that same age that she began bounding around on all fours—not just crawling, but actually moving with astonishing speed while making playful barking sounds. Whenever she could, she would trot, bark, and fully embody a spirited dog.
By the time she turned seven, her interests shifted to cats. Her impressive speed on all fours was still useful, but now she meowed, purred, and drank from a bowl like a feline. For four consecutive birthdays, she requested cat-themed celebrations. Initially, she was a hesitant reader, but once she discovered the Warriors series—stories about wild cats living in clans and battling for territory—she devoured 42 novels in just six months.
Recently, she’s taken to mimicking bald eagles, showcasing remarkable skill in portraying any animal she closely observes. While her animal antics were charming in her younger years, now that she’s 11, they come off as more eccentric than endearing. One day, she approached me in tears, expressing her sadness that her friends were losing interest in their “Warrior Cats” games. To her, this isn’t merely a game; it’s a profound part of her identity. She has often shared with genuine emotion her wish that she had been born as an animal.
As a parent, navigating her unique social landscape has been challenging. We aim to nurture her imagination and passions while recognizing that children (and adults) can be unkind. How do we convey to her that not everyone will appreciate her animalistic tendencies without implying that we think she’s strange?
Being homeschoolers helps, as it provides her the freedom to express herself without the constant social pressures of a traditional school setting. However, the stereotype of homeschoolers being quirky is still prevalent, and Zoe’s belief that she should be an animal certainly doesn’t help that perception.
In reality, everyone has their own quirks. The notion that there exists a standard for interests, personalities, and behaviors is, frankly, ridiculous. How many individuals suppress their true passions to conform to societal expectations? Consider the countless creators and innovators who have transformed the concept of “normal” by embracing their uniqueness.
Who knows where Zoe’s affinity for animals will lead her? Perhaps she will one day run an animal rescue, advocate for wildlife conservation, or delve into research on endangered species. Alternatively, she might leave this phase behind as she matures. Regardless, if she chooses to let go of her animal instincts, it will be her decision—not due to societal pressure or our discouragement. Our goal is to help her view her quirks as gifts, embracing her “weirdness” as an integral part of who she is.
This sentiment was the driving force behind our decision to gift her personalized food and water bowls for her 9th birthday. It was a tangible way to show her that we recognize and honor her uniqueness. While we established a few ground rules—such as no eating “like an animal” at the dining table and using her bowls only when guests weren’t around—this gift meant more to her than many other presents we’ve given.
When other parents learned about our gift choice, they viewed us as odd. But hey, at least we know where Zoe gets her creativity!
If your child is also a bit unconventional, celebrate their individuality. Encourage them to shine uniquely, regardless of how others may perceive them. Prepare them for the reality that being true to oneself can be challenging, but cultivating courage and resilience will empower them to pursue their dreams. And when they doubt themselves, remind them that everyone has their own brand of wonderful weirdness.
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And remember, everyone has their own quirks that make them special, just like Zoe.
Summary
This article discusses the journey of encouraging a unique child to embrace her individuality. It reflects on the challenges of parenting a child with unconventional interests and highlights the importance of nurturing their passions while also preparing them for societal perceptions. It emphasizes the value of celebrating quirks and individuality as essential parts of identity.