As children become more aware of themselves and the world around them, they also become aware of how small they are, compared to older children and grownups. It may seem that others get to do all the big and exciting things. No wonder children want to be bigger.

Here are some ways that parents can help children feel good about being a child...and learn more about what it will be like to be bigger.

Help Children Feel Good about Who They Are and the Things that They Can Do Well.

• Give children small jobs or chores that help them feel that they play an important role in the family:

• putting napkins or silverware on the table;
• dusting a table to help you clean up the house;
• picking up toys at the end of the day;
• watering plants or feeding pets.

• Make a little celebration for special growth steps and accomplishments like:

• staying dry all night;
• learning to share toys with a friend or sibling;
• learning to ride a trike;
• buttoning or fastening clothes.

• Applaud little gifts from your child, like a song he or she made up or a kind gesture given to a playmate.
• Show your child that you value all sorts of things that work where larger ones wouldn't, like small paper clips or a little pair of scissors.

Give Children the Opportunity to Try Out Adult Roles in their Play Activities.

• Provide old clothes, hats, purses, jewelry, vests, ties, or jackets for dress-up play.
• Let your child use a mirror to see how he or she looks in grown-up clothes.
• Collect play props that relate to the work of people in your family (tools, briefcase, pencil and paper, notebooks, uniforms) so that your child can pretend about doing that kind of work.

When Possible, Give Children Opportunities to Take on More Responsibility for Themselves.

• Offer choices when it's appropriate, so your child can feel that he or she has a voice in some decisions.
• Encourage your child to help with the care of a younger brother or sister, to have a chance to feel like the "bigger" one.
• Let your child try out new skills (such as pouring milk from a small pitcher or putting on clothing) whenever he or she seems ready for these activities.
• Show appreciation and pride in your child's attempts to do things independently while you stay available to help when needed.
• Let children know you don't want (or expect) them to be more grown up than they are ready to be. You might have to give a hand when they need or want help with things like getting dressed, pouring milk, going to bed, or picking up their toys.

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