How to teach children that being different is OK???

Indonesia
October 26, 2009 10:38pm CST
I learn that being different for kids is not easy. As I experienced it by myown. When I was in primary school, my body is so big. That even, my teachher made a joke about my body. So, I became a very queit one. As, I entered junior school, my friends made fun of me because I liked playing a kite like a boy...Now, I have two kids and I want to teach them how to be proud of themselves without worrying others opinion.. But, I don't know how. So, how to teach children that being different is OK?
3 responses
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
27 Oct 09
The most important thing that you need to do to teach your children to be proud of themselves is to show that you are proud of them for every thing that they do. They need to have lots of praise to have high self-esteem. I too was a big girl when I was in elementary school and it was difficult for me, but my parents always tried to do things to help raise my self-esteem. Now, I'm an adult with two children of my own and I praise them in every way that I can and I am proud of who they are. They both seem to be very comfortable being who they are.
• Indonesia
28 Oct 09
My daughter is very big. She is 3 years old. But, she seems very shy...I am a little worried with her appereance and I should teach her to have a high self esteem.
@lyzabelle (1668)
• Philippines
27 Oct 09
A parents should be the first to show the children how to love themselves,be proud of who they are and respect others. If we love our children unconditionally then they will follow suit.
• United States
27 Oct 09
I think we teach our children by example. If you want to them to be proud of themselves show them you are proud of yourself. Do not criticize yourself or others for the way they look, their body shape, their clothes. Do not harp on your child for appearance issues and always reassure them that they are who they are and you love them and they should love themselves. As far as other kids, they are going to get picked on no matter what. Prepare them for that. School kids are plain mean. Teach them to stand up for themselves and others but not to fight.