Teenage/tweenage survival

[blendingintherightamount]

how do you help your teen/tweens to blend in the right amount and not be seen as weird for the things they like?

Its such a hard time for them to navigate.

I try to build confidence in my DD so she doesn't feel weird for her interests. Also so that she doesn't feel that she has to fit in with people she doesn't like/don't have same outlook as her. She's very good with setting boundaries and picking friends so has got a small group of friends who are all slightly kooky. They accept each other whilst not being so kooky that they get picked on etc.

Peer group is important and I'm just thankful she's found this group of friends. They aren't bothered about being popular but, like any teens, do want to fit in. So far they've trodden the line fairly easily but it's more down to sheer luck than anytbj v we've specifically done.

how do you build the confidence though? I am so worried about mine.

Lots of positive language, supporting her interests, trying to teach her not to worry about what other people think, not transferring your worry on to them ie not projecting your experiences. I had a shitty time because I was undiagnosed ADHD so never felt I fitted in. I've tried not to project that onto DD as she is a different person who is having a different experience to me but subconsciously from being very young I've tried to work on her confidence in herself and to be herself but at same time tried not to put my worries on to her.

I thoroughly admit though I think that's just her personality more than any 1 specific thing I've done.

Thanks @twistyizzythat is helpful I think

Remember to take a step back and see how it goes op, my son would be seen as quirky but has made great friends in the past

Weird is good! They shouldn't feel like they have to be "normal" and blend in with the masses by hiding what they really like. They'll find their tribe eventually