“Hey! Hey! Daaaaaad! Daaaaadddd! Watch this!”

Chances are this, or some variation of it, is one of the phrases you hear most often from your kids. Whether they want to showcase somersault skills, exhibit their artwork, or dance to the latest Kidz Bop banger, children desire acknowledgment and positive feedback.

Adults are typically willing participants in the positive feedback loop, complimenting kids for their efforts even if they must get creative to avoid lying through their teeth. As a result, little kids tend to think they’re good at everything, which is perfectly fine for where they’re at in the developmental process. But it leaves some parents wondering how and when to foster the self-awareness that will eventually lead to kids understanding their strengths and weaknesses.

Although kids learn these skills over time, it’s not until early adolescence that they have the cognitive and emotional maturity needed to have that inward recognition. But there are some strategies you can keep in mind when your kids are younger to lay the groundwork for healthy self-awareness.