Children strive throughout childhood and adolescence to develop a strong sense of self.  It starts with the discover in infancy that they are separate from their parents and, moving into their second year, that they can disagree with them!  Children who have a strong sense of who they are, what they believe, what values they hold are less vulnerable to peer pressure and have less of a need to rebel in adolescence.  Demonstrate your respect for your child's process of self-discovery by offering this tool.                   

HINT: If your child is curious, it can be fun to look at what you've learned about him, using the PARENTING COMPASS, next to his conclusions about himself.  Just listen and share.  Don't be insistent about your point of view.  If he says he likes red and you think he prefers purple, that's okay!  What is important is to communicate your enjoyment of his process of self-discovery.