As a therapist and mother, I've contemplated what it means to raise children who are not only prepared for the world but also capable of succeeding in it. Not only in whatever they choose as a career, but also in the kind of people they will become. And something I have learned is that teaching our kids to have a strong sense of self is one of the greatest gifts we can give them for life. It will help them in their careers, relationships, and in life in general.

As we grow, we get messages of what is expected of us from societal norms, trends, and peer pressure. Having a clear sense of who we are, meaning we have our own thoughts, values, and ideas apart from what is expected of us, is a superpower. And I am not talking about rebellion here. It's not just about standing out or being different for the sake of it. Rebellion is just doing the opposite of what is expected of us. Having a strong sense of self allows our values and principles to guide us apart from what is expected of us from society, family, or peer pressure. A strong sense of self is about being grounded in who we are so that we can lead our own lives and relationships with clarity and purpose.

When we're clear about who we are, what we value, and our goals, we get to live the lives we want to live. When we aren't swayed by the opinions of others or pulled into trends that aren't good for us, the happier and freer we are.

A strong sense of self doesn't just help us as individuals; it strengthens........

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