How to Support and Shield Your Quirky Kid

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It all kicked off with a goofy giggle. You know, that slightly awkward laugh that comes when someone says something uncertain? My son has developed this little quirk over the past year, almost like a nervous tic. It’s charming, really; he unleashes it when excitement bubbles over, filling those silent gaps in conversations he still hasn’t mastered.

We never pointed it out, but it felt like a scene straight from a classic nerdy movie had taken residence in our 9-year-old. He started fastening his shirt all the way up and counting things obsessively. Suddenly, I found myself wanting to buy him a pocket protector and a collection of Star Wars figures, or even enroll him in Space Camp.

I do have my worries — mostly about the not-so-great kids out there trying to stifle his unique spirit, math dreams included. So, how can we as parents safeguard our quirky children while celebrating the very oddities that make them special? Here are a few thoughts:

1. Embrace Failure: We talk candidly about failure with our kids, emphasizing that it’s not something to shy away from. When they stumble, it’s a sign they took a risk — and that’s worth celebrating.
2. Keep Teen Years in Mind: My son, with his responsible decision-making, might be the designated driver during his teenage years. But who knows? Those teenage hormones can be unpredictable!
3. Offer Support When They Seek It: Recently, he expressed a desire to stop his quirky laugh. I agreed to help him, but I had to stifle a tear because I had grown fond of it.
4. Let Your Own Quirkiness Shine: When he feels down about what others might say, he can look around at our loving, nerdy family and understand that his roots are full of unique characters who achieved great things.
5. Encourage Rule-Bending: I never imagined I’d be the parent encouraging my child to break a few rules, but here we are. I’ll keep the specifics to myself — some rules can be a bit scary!
6. Praise Effort Over Intelligence: Reinforcing the idea that hard work beats innate talent helps them realize that they’re constantly growing and evolving, whether in nerdy pursuits or otherwise.

My son’s the first to embrace his dorky side, and as his parents, we proudly accept that having a quirky kid is the best. I just want him to be himself, giggles and all.

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Summary

Supporting and shielding your nerdy child involves celebrating their uniqueness, encouraging them to embrace failure, and helping them navigate social challenges. By fostering their individuality, you can create a loving environment where they feel free to be themselves.