Helping Kids See the Beauty in Being Different
Jun 07, 2025
I began this series as a fast way for educators and families to empower the vocabularies and self-esteem of your young ones.
I get that we’re all busy, so it’s just a word a day, but words are powerful. Every day, our kids are creating meaning out of the things we say, things they hear others say, and the things they learn to say to others and themselves.
Some of these words might seem silly, or like it’s too early to address them, but with how fast information spreads, hearing it from you, with love and intention, can be deeply impactful.
Today’s word? “Weird.”
It’s often used to label what’s different, unusual, or misunderstood.
But different doesn’t mean bad.
And “weird” shouldn’t mean unwelcome.
Let’s shift that lens 👇
Why this matters:
When kids hear they’re “weird,” it can make them feel like there’s something wrong with them.
It reinforces the idea that fitting in is more important than being themselves, and that uniqueness is something to hide.
Now, more than ever, it's important to teach our kids the differences between what it feels like to "fit in" and what it feels like to "belong."
We all deserve safe spaces where we belong.
What to say when your child asks “Why can’t I say ‘weird’?”
“Because it can make someone feel like they don’t belong.
It’s better to celebrate what makes someone different than make them feel bad about it.”
Script to start the conversation with your child:
“Sometimes when we don’t understand someone, we call them ‘weird’ without meaning to hurt them. But different isn’t bad, it’s special! Instead of ‘weird,’ try saying:
‘That’s different!’
‘That’s cool!’
‘I’d like to learn more!’”
Does your child call classmates “weird” when they act differently?
Do they seem afraid to be themselves or share unique interests?
Do they copy others just to fit in?
Ways to check in:
Ask:
“Has anyone ever made you feel weird for being yourself?”
“What do you think makes you special?”
“How do you feel when someone calls something you like ‘weird’?”
Affirmations & Activity:
Say these together:
“Different is beautiful.”
“I like what makes me me.”
“I can be curious instead of critical.”
Try this:
Ask your child to draw or list 3 things that make them different. Then celebrate them together as “superpowers,” not flaws.
If this word or conversation triggers YOU:
If you were ever called “weird” for being imaginative, shy, creative, or simply yourself, you’re not alone.
You can say:
“When I was a kid, I was called weird and it made me want to hide the things I loved. I don’t want that for you. I want you to know you’re special just as you are.” Or "Do you know anyone at school who may feel the way I did?"
This is how we protect the magic in our kids.
Resources:
- "Verbal Abuse Toward Children More Common Than You Think" – A study revealing the prevalence of verbal abuse and its effects on children's well-being.
- "What Is Emotional Child Abuse?" – An overview of emotional abuse, including the use of harmful language, and its impact on child development.
