Help your child deal with being different
AS CHILDLINE LAUNCHES ITS NOBODY IS NORMAL CAMPAIGN, ITS EXPERTS AND A PSYCHOLOGIST EXPLAIN TO LISA SALMON HOW PARENTS CAN HELP KIDS WHO FEEL THEY DON’T FIT IN
CHILDREN don’t usually like to be different from their friends – but as we’re all unique, it doesn’t take much for them to feel like they don’t fit in. Childline (childline.org.uk) hears from thousands of children and young people every year who talk about not feeling ‘normal’, often because of their body image, sexuality or gender identity.
Such cries for help have increased during the pandemic, says the NSPCC-run charity, and in response it’s launched the new campaign Nobody is Normal (childline.org.uk/info-advice/ your-feelings/normal) to highlight that feeling like this is a shared experience for young people.
“During the pandemic we’ve heard from many children who, after being cut off from important support networks, were feeling isolated, anxious and insecure,” says Childline service head Wendy Robinson. “For many young people, this exacerbated their worries on a range of issues and we saw an increase in contacts about body image, gender and sexuality.
“It’s really important children feel able to speak openly about their worries, as this can help them see other children are coping with similar issues. There are plenty of ways parents can support with this too.”
And clinical psychologist Dr Genevieve von Lob (drgenevieve. com), author of Happy Parent, Happy Child, adds: “It’s common for children and adolescents to feel they’re not normal, and don’t fit in. They’re experiencing so much change, developing a sense of their identity, and getting to know who they are and where they belong.”
Here, Dr von Lob and Wendy outline issues children and young people have contacted Childline about, and how parents can help...
My daughter hates the way she looks and compares herself to friends and celebrities. How can I support her?
WENDY says: “There can be a lot of pressure to look a certain way and fit in with everyone else, and young people can be very affected by what others think. “We know children are spending more time online during the pandemic, which means they’re likely to be more affected by what appears ‘perfect’ images on social media. You can help improve your children’s confidence by encouraging them to not compare themselves to people they see online, or in the media. Remind them nobody’s perfect, and we’re all different, special and unique in our own way.”
She suggests parents ask children to write down three things they like about themselves and encourage them to read it every morning to help them feel more positive about themselves. In addition, it can help to explore how children feel when they’re online, she says. Encourage them to delete anyone who’s saying unhelpful things about them.
Dr von Lob says parents should be mindful of the ways they focus on appearance. “Avoid complimenting your child’s appearance and instead praise qualities such as kindness, determination, how your child treats others or the effort they’ve put into something.” she says.
It can also help to acknowledge that many celebrities have their own struggles behind the glossy facade, she says. Discuss examples of celebs who’ve opened up about their own mental health issues.
“Help them see that despite what seems to be the ideal life, everyone’s vulnerable to feeling inadequate, insecure and low in self-confidence, and the reality isn’t always as perfect as it appears.”
Discussing healthy eating and exercise with your child may also be beneficial, she says, and it can help if you as a parent adopt healthierhabits, focusing on feeling energised rather than measuring weight.
My 15-year-old son has told me he’s gay – how can I support him?
WENDY stresses that some young people know who they’re attracted to from a young age, but it’s not so simple for others.
“It’s important young people feel supported to talk when they’re ready,” she says. She points out that many schools have a teacher to represent the LGBTQ+ community, so parents could find out who can support their child if they want the school to know.
We know children are spending more time online during the pandemic, which means they’re likely to be more affected by what appears ‘perfect’ images on social media... Childline service head Wendy Robinson
“Taking the step to talk about it at school is different than sharing it with family, so remind them it’s okay to wait until they feel ready,” she suggests.
“Let them know nobody should make them feel bad because of their sexuality – they have the right to be who they are and that should be respected.”
Dr von Lob says parents should let their children know they’re available if they want to talk.
“Often teenagers don’t like to be put on the spot,” she says, “so pick your moment, such as when you’re in the car together or just before bed.
“Let him know he can vent all his frustration and discuss his struggles. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is the silence of your undivided attention. They need to know you’ll always unconditionally accept, love and support them for being who they are.”
My child says they want to find out more about being transgender, as they don’t feel comfortable with their gender. How can I help?
WENDY says some children might feel
they can’t express their identity, and parents should reassure them they’re not alone, and feeling confused about gender is something other young people experience too.
“Let them know you’re there to listen whenever they want to talk – sharing how they feel might be scary, but it can help them develop their understanding and confidence,” she advises.
Encourage your child to write down how they’re feeling, she suggests, or to talk to a friend they trust. “Remind them everyone has the right to be who they are and not to be discriminated against for being transgender,” she stresses, pointing out parents and children can also talk to their doctor about support and ways to cope.
Dr von Lob says it can be normal for parents to feel shocked or confused at discovering their child may see themselves very differently to them. But she says it’s important to accept your feelings so you can support your child.
“If your child is questioning their gender identity, it’s important to allow them space to explore – which might mean letting them experiment with different ways of dressing, presenting themselves, or even using different names,” she says. “A child’s gender identity can be fluid, and they need your support, encouragement and above all acceptance as they seek to become more at ease with who they are.” However, she says it’s crucial to seek professional advice and adds: “Some young children will grow to be more comfortable in their birth gender, while others may find themselves somewhere on a wide spectrum of possible identities.
“Finding the right support on this journey can make all the difference.”
Children can find advice on the Childline website, share experiences on the Childline message boards (childline.org.uk/get-support/messageboards/), or call Childline on 0800 1111.
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