Our second child is an absolute character. When she was just three years old, we gifted her a baby doll, which she immediately and hilariously named “Elephant.” Soon after, she began to gallop around on all fours—not crawling, but racing with astonishing speed while making loud trumpeting sounds. At every opportunity, she would trot, stomp, and trumpet, fully embracing her inner elephant.
Fast forward to when she turned seven, and her interests shifted to cats. Once again, her speed on all fours came in handy, but now she added meows and purrs to her repertoire, even lapping water from a bowl instead of using a cup. For four consecutive birthdays, we celebrated with cat-themed parties. Initially a hesitant reader, she devoured 42 novels in six months after discovering the Warriors series about feral cats living in clans and fighting for territory.
These days, she has adopted the mannerisms and habits of a bald eagle. It’s truly impressive how well she can mimic any animal she studies closely. However, while her antics were endearing in her younger years, they now appear more eccentric than cute at the age of 11. She once approached me in tears, feeling disheartened that her friends were losing interest in playing “Warrior Cats.” For her, this isn’t simply a game; it’s a part of her identity. On more than one occasion, she has expressed a sincere longing to have been born an animal rather than a human. To her, connecting with the animal kingdom is an essential aspect of who she is.
As a parent, guiding her through a social landscape that doesn’t always align with her inner self has been a challenge. We aim to nurture her imagination and passions, allowing her to feel comfortable in her own skin. Yet, we know that children—and adults—can be unkind. How do we convey to her that not everyone will embrace her whimsical tendencies without implying that we find them strange?
Being homeschoolers provides some advantages. Without the constant pressure of same-age peers, she has the freedom to express her quirks with minimal negative feedback. However, the stereotype that homeschoolers are “different” hasn’t escaped us, and her belief that she should embody an animal certainly doesn’t help break that mold. (Sorry, fellow homeschoolers!)
The reality is that everyone has their own quirks. We all possess our own forms of “weirdness.” The notion that there’s a standard for interests, personalities, and behaviors is simply untrue. Countless individuals suppress their true passions to fit societal expectations. Conversely, how many innovators and creators have turned the concept of “normal” on its head? Many have embraced their uniqueness to make the world a better place.
Who knows what our daughter will do with her animal inclinations? Perhaps one day she’ll run an animal sanctuary, advocate for wildlife conservation, or research endangered species. Or maybe she’ll outgrow it and choose a totally different path. What matters to me is that if she decides to move on, it will be on her own terms—not because we stifled her spirit or because she succumbed to peer pressure. Our goal is to help her view her quirks as gifts and her “weirdness” as an integral part of her wonderful individuality.
That’s why we surprised her with personalized food and water bowls for her 9th birthday—to show her that we honor her unique interests. Of course, we set some guidelines—no eating like an animal at the dinner table and using her cat bowls only when we didn’t have guests—but that gift held more significance for her than almost anything else we’ve ever given her.
Naturally, when other parents found out we gifted our daughter her own pet bowls, they thought we were odd. But hey, at least we know where she gets it from!
So, for those of you with kids who defy the mold and dance to their own rhythm, let them know you appreciate their quirks, not in spite of them. Encourage them to shine their distinctive light in the world, no matter how others may react. Prepare them for the reality that it takes courage and resilience to be true to themselves, but these qualities are crucial for achieving their dreams. And when they doubt, remind them that everyone else is just as wonderfully unique as they are.
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and embracing individuality, check out our post on terms and conditions or visit Make a Mom for expert information on home insemination. For additional resources on pregnancy, Healthline offers excellent guidance.
Summary
In this heartwarming piece, Julia shares her journey of supporting her daughter’s unique identity as she embraces her animalistic tendencies. The author reflects on the challenges of nurturing individuality in a world that often values conformity while emphasizing the importance of celebrating quirks. Through thoughtful parenting, Julia aims to empower her daughter to remain true to herself, regardless of societal pressures.