- Image by Okinawa Soba via Flickr
A self-expressive child can gain a sense of confidence in being himself or herself. Being self-expression means knowing one’s preferences and having the ability to create. Parents can help nourish their child’s self-expressiveness by acknowledging his or her opinion as valuable. Also, provide your child with options that can range in any area, from food to books.
Ask for their Opinion
Make your child’s opinion important. Teach your child to respect himself or herself by sincerely listening to his or her opinion. Instruct your child that respect goes both ways. Begin asking your child’s opinion when reading books. You can ask simple questions like “What would you have done differently if you were in the character’s shoes?” or “Who’s your favorite character in the book?” Having an opinion that is recognized can be empowering, especially for a young child.
Give them Options
A child that has options will learn to cultivate his or her preferences in the world. For example, you can take your child shopping and ask your child what color he or she prefers. You may also ask your child what he or she prefers for dinner and have your child help out. Let your child decide on favorite colors, shapes and stories. By providing your child with options, you are also allowing him or her to be decisive.
Help Them Discover Preferences
If your child is uncertain about what he or she wants, learn to talk it out. Although you don’t want to choose everything for your child, you can help guide your child toward his or her own preferences. Ask your child how he or she thinks or feels about an object or an event. By helping your child cultivate expressiveness in the early stages of self-discovery, you are providing him or her with the freedom of choice.
