What Makes You... You? Discovering Your Child's Identity

What Makes You… You? Discovering a Child's Identity

We know that every person — and every child — is their own unique individual. Even if a person is an identical twin, they still have their own sense of style, their own dreams, their own thoughts and their own emotions. It is important to help your child discover who they are and what makes them unique. This selfdiscovery will:

• Build confidence

• Help them make better informed decisions

• Empower them to have healthy boundaries and fulfilling friendships

• Encourage them to be comfortable with themselves and show themselves love

These are all traits that most parents, caregivers and adults would want for the children they care about. But it may be hard to know where to get started with creating this sense of self love and individuality. Our behavioral health experts have some ideas you can try.

Allow your child to voice their opinions, even on simple things.

This will create a strong and confident person who trusts themselves to make decisions about the tough stuff.

Give them space to be

themselves. Approach your child with curiosity to learn more about them, and not who you think they are or want them to be.

How to Start a Conversation

If you’re wondering how to start a conversation that will lead to self-discovery and learning more about oneself, we have a few conversation starter questions to get you started. These questions are perfect for encouraging your child to think about their own unique interests and ideas. Take some time each day to ask your child these questions:

• Tell me about your favorite book.

• What do you want to be when you grow up?

• If you could have one superpower, what would it be? • If you could build a dream house, what would it look like?

• What is your favorite season, and what do you like about it?

• What do you like most about yourself?

Why use these conversation starters? First, our likes, dislikes and interests change and adapt as we grow older. What your child liked last year could be totally different than now. Continuing to have conversations with your child about their interests and thoughts will help you continue to build a strong foundational relationship.

Second, these questions will also force you to think about your own values and preferences.

Lastly, answering these questions will teach kids that they can respect others who have different opinions on things or different interests.

On Our Sleeves' wants to encourage families and caregivers of children to continue having consistent and healthy conversations. We believe that starting conversations is a way to create a foundation for mental health and wellness.

Start a conversation. Children are often not allowed to contribute to conversations. Take some time to allow them to share what they want and let them know that there is a safe space for their voice to be heard. This will encourage them to speak up when things are tough.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start making your list of festive things to do and checking it twice! Fortunately, there are lots of fun events happening around Southwest Ohio that are guaranteed to get you in a merry mood. Here is a sneak peek at some of the ones we’re looking forward to.

Holiday Junction

cincymuseum.org

The Cincinnati Museum Center is the place to be this season! Starting November 11, visitors can enjoy Holiday Junction, a winter wonderland featuring the beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains that are back for their 76th season. Returning in 2022 is Brickopolis, a blizzard of LEGO bricks crafted into fantastical scenes from the magical worlds of Disney, Marvel, DC Comics and Harry Potter. And no holiday is complete without a visit to Santa, who makes his grand arrival on November 25. Visit the jolly elf by his fireplace in the Public Landing next to Holiday Junction.

Coney Island’s Nights of Lights

coneyislandpark.com/events

Enjoy dazzling new light displays from the comfort of your vehicle during Cincinnati’s largest synchronized light show! Visit Coney Island from November 11-January 2, 2023 and see more than 1 million lights synchronized to traditional and rocking Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show. Reservations are now required, so visit the website before heading out.

North Pole Express

lebanonrr.com

Experience the joy of the holidays as you journey down the tracks of Warren County’s LM&M Railroad aboard the North Pole Express! On select dates from November 18-December 23, passengers can spend time with Santa and his elves on a one-hour-and-15minute festive train ride. Train cars are adorned with holiday lights and decorations, adding to the cheer of this magical event. All children will receive a souvenir bell and holiday cookie.

Woodland Lights

washingtontwp.org/recreation/ woodland_lights

This year marks the 30th anniversary of this beloved Dayton holiday celebration! From November 18-December 23, experience a fantasy land of holiday lights and displays along a half-mile paved path at Countryside Park in Washington Township. Visitors can stroll through the ten acres of sparkling lights and whimsical displays, or take a ride on the Rieck Express train along a separate path. Visit Santa in a historic cabin, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and much more.

Journey Borealis

journeyborealis.com

Experience an artful adventure through holiday lights at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum! From November 18-January 1, 2023, enjoy the nostalgic holiday experience with an expanded route with new lights and new music, all from the comfort of your own car as you get into the holiday spirit.

PNC Festival of Lights

cincinnatizoo.org

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 40th annual Festival of Lights kicks off November 18-January 8, 2023. Admire the beauty of four million LED lights, find the five Fiona fairies in Fairyland, ride the North Polar Express train ride, take in a blacklight puppet show, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, and snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands.

A Carillon Christmas

daytonhistory.org

See Carillon Historical Park’s 65-acre campus transformed into a winter wonderland of sparkle, magic and holiday cheer from November 22-December 30. Guests can visit with Santa, do holiday shopping, indulge in holiday treats, and listen to holiday stories being read at the schoolhouse.

Kings Island Winterfest

visitkingsisland.com

Step into a world of holiday magic at Kings Island with Winterfest, an unforgettable holiday experience where the amusement park is transformed into 11 enchanting winter wonderlands. On select nights from November 25-December 31, Cincinnati’s premier holiday event features ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower turned into a magical Christmas tree, the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, more than five million lights and live entertainment throughout the park.

Middletown Holiday Whopla

holidaywhopla.com

Head to Downtown Middletown from November 26-January 3, 2023 for Holiday Whopla! This interactive holiday lights festival features an ice-skating rink, musical performances, artist vendors, themed venues, specialty storefronts, and so much more all season long!

The Dancing Princesses

ensemblecincinnati.org

Discover an enchanting mystery at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with The Dancing Princesses, a whimsical adaptation of the classic fairy tale Cinderella. From November 30-December 30, enjoy this heartfelt and humorous story of five uniquely different princesses who embark upon a journey of the imagination that’s suitable for all ages!

Light in the Forest

cincynature.org

From December 1-31, experience Cincinnati Nature Center in a whole new light! Walk along Nature Center trails that sparkle with gentle lights, and enjoy children’s activities, music, bonfires, holiday shopping, and the historic Krippendorf Lodge and Abner Hollow Cabin adorned in period decorations.

Cincinnati Ballet presents the Nutcracker

cballet.org

This beloved holiday tradition returns to Music Hall on December 15-24. Enjoy the magic and wonder of The Nutcracker and share Clara’s candy-coated adventure to the Land of Sweets, as your family enjoys Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. When Clara receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, her dreams take her to a wondrous land where a fantastic cast of characters awaits. Dozens of local young performers join Cincinnati Ballet onstage for these holiday performances.