How can I help my 6-year-old daughter understand the importance of being yourself?

Giving your daughter the confidence to be herself is one of the greatest gifts you can give her. It is important for her to understand that she shouldn’t be ashamed of her intelligence or pretend to be someone she is not. Being smart is something to be proud of, not hide. You can help your daughter by making sure she has strong female role models (and be sure to be one yourself), and helping her surround herself with like-minded friends who build her up, rather than tear her down. One of my favorite books on the importance of being yourself is the book “Zero” by Kathryn Otoshi. “Only One You” and “You Be You” by Linda Kranz are two other wonderful books that focuses on time importance of individuality and being yourself.

Jennie Ito, Ph.D.

Child Development Expert

Jennie Ito is a mother of two and a child development consultant who specializes in children’s play and toys. Before becoming a consultant for LeapFrog, she was an intern at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and later worked as a content expert for the Association of Children’s Museum’s “Playing for Keeps” Play Initiative. Jennie earned her doctorate degree in developmental psychology at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.