Thursday, December 7, 2023

Extraordinary Kid-Celebrating Uniqueness: Nurturing an Exceptional Second Grader

 


Living in a household with a 7-year-old in today's bustling and intricate world definitely has its ups and downs, especially when we're trying to strike a balance between letting her be a kid and meeting the world's expectations. My 7 year old great niece is a ball of energy and personality, but she often feels caught between being seen as 'too grown-up' and just being herself in a world that sometimes misses the beauty of individuality.


The other day, she was upset because her classmates thought she was acting too much like an adult instead of following what they considered 'normal' for kids. I don’t disagree. It's tough when her unique personality clashes with what society expects. She's not into Barbie dolls or reading, but boy, can she dance

Sometimes her moves might push boundaries, but they show how creative and full of life she is.


Her smarts, cleverness, and street-savviness go beyond her age, which both amazes and challenges me. She's on this quest to fit in as a 'good' little girl in a world that's sometimes risky and way too focused on grown-up stuff. I know her mom and our society play a part, but sometimes it feels like we're more about protecting feelings than facing real issues.



In the midst of her TikTok adventures and the pressure to be like everyone else, I try to remind her that what makes her special is far more important than what others think. I cheer on her amazing talents, discipline in areas that cannot be overlooked, and remind her that her journey is what truly matters, not the opinions of her classmates.


I tell her that nobody's perfect and that growing and learning is what makes life exciting. In a world that wants everyone to be the same, I see her uniqueness as something to cherish and be proud of.


As I help her navigate this mix of what people expect and who she really is, I'm reminded that letting her be herself, even if it's a bit different, is the best gift I can give her. It’s all about creating a space where she feels special, respected and confident enough to be herself, shining with her own light.



Basically, I want her to know—and for all of us to remember—that real beauty comes from being true to yourself. In her journey, her spirit shines so brightly, and it's something that inspires us all.





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