Helping Your Kids Answer: "Tell Me About Yourself"

One of the most intimidating moments of my young life was when I was 21, sitting in a job interview, facing a panel of professionals, and they hit me with the dreaded question: "Tell us about yourself."

I knew it was coming. I had been told to prepare. But the moment arrived, and I blacked out. I rambled about little league baseball, getting dumped in high school, and random college classes. They smiled politely, but I could feel the embarrassment creeping in.

I had no clarity on how to answer. What did they actually want to know? My biographical details? My resume? My favorite movie? And deeper than that—who was I, really?

That moment stuck with me. And now, as a parent and someone who works with kids, I see it as my job to make sure the next generation doesn’t experience the same panic.

Why It’s Critical for Kids to Know Their Story

At some point, every kid will be asked, "Tell me about yourself." It might be in a job interview, a college application, or even just meeting new people. And the difference between a kid who can answer that question confidently versus one who stumbles through it? It’s massive.

When a young person can clearly, succinctly, and compellingly share who they are, it’s jaw-dropping. They stand out. They build connections faster. They develop stronger relationships and more opportunities.

But most kids don’t naturally know how to do this. That’s where we, as parents, can help.

The Power of Understanding Their Backstory

A kid’s past is their foundation. Helping them reflect on where they’ve been gives them a clearer direction for where they’re going. It also builds resilience—because when they see the challenges they’ve overcome, they start to believe in their ability to face whatever’s next.

There’s also a surprising social benefit. People who can tell their own story well are more likable, trustworthy, and relatable. If you understand where someone comes from, you understand what to do with them. But if they have nothing to say—if they can’t connect the dots of their own journey—it makes it harder for others to connect with them.

And the biggest takeaway? Self-awareness leads to confidence. When a kid understands their own story, they stop trying to build an identity based on external validation. They stop chasing other people’s expectations and start making choices that align with their true selves.

How Parents Can Help

Want to help your kid develop this skill? Here are a few practical ways:

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of the usual "How was your day?" try, "What’s a moment in your life that changed you?" or "What’s a challenge you’ve overcome that made you stronger?"

2. Share Your Own Stories

When you tell stories from your past—especially the struggles and lessons—you normalize the process of reflecting on experiences.

3. Help Them Notice Patterns

Remind your kid of times they’ve faced struggles and made it through. "Remember when you were terrified to start soccer, and now you’re leading the team?"

4. Encourage Storytelling

Ask, "If your life was a book, what would this chapter be called?" It helps them see their experiences from a broader perspective.

Final Thought

Your kid’s backstory isn’t just a series of memories—it’s their launchpad for the future. Helping them process where they’ve been equips them to confidently step into what’s ahead.

So, next time they get asked, "Tell me about yourself," they’ll have an answer—one that’s clear, confident, and uniquely theirs.