Child Psychologist Reminds Parents on TikTok the Importance of Loving Their Kids for Who They Are

@_itserikav Accepted Children Andrew Solomon

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Sep 06, 09:17 am

A child psychologist who goes by @_itserikav on Tiktok says that if she were to give parents one tip, it would be: "Work on accepting and celebrating your child for who they are, not for who you wanted them to be, not for who you expected them to be, not for who you wish they were, but who they are," Parents reported.

Why is accepting kids for who they truly are salient?

The psychologist notes the importance of accepting kids in a brief but sweet explanation. Although it is normal for parents to feel frustrated with their children, she reminds everyone that they may have had dreams of being parents one day and had this particular image in their minds of what their kids would be like. Dreams are difficult to shake off as it is something that parents build for themselves, but it is necessary to let go of those expectations and learn to accept kids for who they are the moment they are born.

Many were able to relate to the psychologist's TikTok video, saying it touched their heart upon learning such an aspect of parenting. The comment section was flooded by those who agreed with the video, with one writing her daughter is sweet and sensitive but often cries, making it hard for her, but added she was trying to accept her child as she is.

Pew Research suggests parents manage their relationship with the internet and mobile devices as it can serve a host of benefits and challenges. Two-thirds of parents said that parenting nowadays is harder compared to 20 years ago, 7 percent say it is easier, and 26 percent claim that parenting works the same as before.

Accepted children feel more secure and safe

According to Andrew Solomon, writer, activist, and psychiatrist, it is not about the lack of love but rather about understanding and acceptance. Most parents find it hard to accept their loved ones, especially their children, as they will first consider what others think of them as a parent.

Solomon told Quirky Kid that parenting must acknowledge their child's uniqueness without pressing or forcing them to change. This doesn't mean that parents will no longer strive for their children's better quality of education, behavior, and sporting ability, but rather accept and validate their emotions and mainly their unique personality. Make kids feel loved as they will feel safe when they feel that their parents accept them.