An Indigo Child is a term used to describe children who are believed to have special traits and abilities. The concept gained popularity in the late 1990s through books by authors such as Lee Carroll and Jan Tober. Indigo Children are thought to have strong intuition, creativity, intelligence and psychic abilities. Some believe they have come to earth at this time to bring about positive changes in society. However, not all experts agree on the validity of Indigo Children as a definable category. While some believe these children do have distinctly different traits, others argue there is not enough evidence to differentiate them from gifted children in general.
History of the Indigo Child Concept
The Indigo Child concept has its origins in the 1970s when psychic and alternative therapist Nancy Ann Tappe began classifying people’s auras into colors. She noticed that many children being born after the 1970s had deep indigo-colored auras in contrast to the rainbow of colors she normally saw. She labeled these children as “Indigo Children” in her 1982 book “Understanding Your Life Through Color.”
In 1999, authors Lee Carroll and Jan Tober brought widespread attention to Indigo Children through their book “The Indigo Children: The New Kids Have Arrived.” They described Indigo Children as having high intelligence, an urge to live purposefully, psychic abilities, and a resistance to rigid, control-oriented systems. The book popularized the belief that Indigo Children come to change the world through bringing higher levels of spirituality and consciousness.
After Carroll and Tober’s book release, many parents began to identify their gifted and sensitive children as Indigos. The concept rapidly spread through books, websites, conferences and social groups. Counselors and psychologists also began working with parents who were seeking help for their struggling Indigo children. This led to expanded lists of Indigo traits that went beyond Carroll and Tober’s original description.
Common Traits of Indigo Children
There are many differing opinions on what defines an Indigo Child. However, some commonly cited Indigo Child characteristics include:
Strong Sense of Self and Independence
Indigo Children are described as independent thinkers who prefer following their own path rather than adhering to rules and conventions. From a young age, they develop a strong and stubborn personality along with firmly held opinions and beliefs. They have a clear sense of identity and purpose that others may struggle to understand. They value their independence and can become frustrated with activities they see as boring, repetitive or restrictive.
High Intelligence and Curiosity
Most descriptions of Indigo Children emphasize their high intelligence, intuition and inquisitiveness. Indigos are very bright and have insatiable curiosity to understand how the world works. They frequently ask complex questions and pick up new skills quickly. They get bored easily with mundane tasks and may tune out if not intellectually stimulated.
Psychic and Empathetic Abilities
A key aspect of the original Indigo Child concept is the belief that these children have inherent psychic and empathetic abilities. They may have vivid dreams, see energy fields around people or read others’ emotions and thoughts. Some claim Indigos can tune into the future or unknown aspects of the present. Their strong intuition may manifest through just “knowing” things without understanding how.
Nonconformity and Frustration with Authority
The independent thinking and giftedness of Indigo Children often clash with institutional systems like school. Many descriptions emphasize Indigo Children’s low tolerance for rigid, controlling authority figures. They intrinsically challenge traditions and rules that don’t make logical sense to them. Trying to make Indigos conform against their will frequently results in conflict and frustration.
Strong Willed and Passionate
Indigo Children know their own minds from very young ages. When they believe in a cause or idea, they are extremely passionate and stubborn in advocating for it. They are willing to be revolutionary and disruptive in order to change systems they see as unfair, irrational or resistant to progress. This strong will can be difficult for parents and teachers who want obedience.
Idealistic and Committed to Making Change
A core part of the Indigo Child concept is that these children are intended to improve society and humanity. Indigo Children care deeply about making the world a better place. From young ages, they may be very upset by injustice, environmental issues and suffering in the world. They feel driven to tackle these problems in any way they can.
High Creativity and Spirituality
Indigo Children are often described as right-brain dominant, meaning they are more creative, intuitive and emotionally driven than logical. They are said to think in pictures and metaphors. Many believe spirituality comes naturally to them. They may talk about spiritual concepts from very young ages and have insights about life that seem beyond their years.
Difficulty with Emotions and Behavior
While having advanced abilities in some areas, many Indigo Children struggle with emotions, self-regulation and behavior. They may have intense tantrums, mood swings and difficulty coping with disappointment, frustration or anger. Some Indigos are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, sensory processing disorders, anxiety or autism spectrum disorders. They may have trouble relating to children their own age.
Adverse Reactions to Medication and Structure
Some believe that Indigo Children react badly to conventional medicine and strict structure. Medications intended to help with focus or behavior may have the opposite effect. Rigid school and parenting systems can exacerbate problems. Therapies that work with their gifts and allow creative freedom are thought to be more beneficial than trying to force conformity.
Oversensitivity
Indigo Children are sometimes described as oversensitive emotionally and energetically. Loud noise, crowds or chaotic environments easily overwhelm them. They feel emotions intensely, both their own and those around them. Many are also sensitive to foods, chemicals and allergens. They need calm environments that align with their high sensitivity.
Sense of Entitlement and Grandiosity
Critics argue that Indigo Children are simply entitled, narcissistic and grandiose. Their stubbornness and resistance to authority can be seen as products of permissive parenting rather than innate gifts. While believing they are special, some Indigos have an inflated sense of self and make demands rather than contributing. They may manipulate or bully others who don’t recognize their self-perceived grandiose status.
Problems Forming Relationships and Meltdowns
Some Indigos have difficulties getting along with peers and authority figures. They may react intensely when others don’t share their perspectives. Their behaviors can come off as bossy, antagonistic, manipulative or odd. When pushed to conform, Indigos may have emotional meltdowns or become completely withdrawn. Their perceived rejection by society can lead to feelings of alienation, anger or depression.
Are Indigo Children Gifted Children?
Many experts argue that the Indigo Child label gained popularity because it resonated with parents who saw their kids struggle in conventional environments. Identifying as Indigo Children provides meaning and validation. However, critics claim there is no hard scientific evidence that Indigo Children differ significantly from other gifted and sensitive kids.
Traits like intelligence, intuition, creativity, idealism and emotional sensitivity are not exclusive to Indigos. Gifted children commonly think divergently, question norms and advocate passionately for things they believe in. Many misbehave, act bossy or have meltdowns when bored or constrained. The overlaps have led some to argue that the concept of Indigo Children merely reflects these common gifted child traits rather than anything distinctly different.
Potential Drawbacks to the Indigo Label
Some experts argue that labeling children as Indigo Children can actually be detrimental in some cases. It may validate hostile, manipulative or narcissistic behaviors instead of correcting them. The label can inflate children’s self-perceptions and cause more social alienation if peers don’t share the perspective that they are special. Parents may miss signs of true mental health or developmental problems if masked by an Indigo identity. The Indigo label may also discourage adequate structure that gifted kids still require to develop socially and emotionally.
How to Support Indigo Children
Despite debate around the validity of Indigo Children as a distinct concept, many parents and therapists describe beneficial ways to support kids who fit the Indigo profile:
– Provide unconditional love while setting firm limits around appropriate behavior. Indigos should not get a free pass on poor conduct just because they are perceived as special.
– Avoid power struggles by allowing freedom of choice in nonessential areas. Give them input on decisions when possible.
– Explain reasons for necessary rules and structure so they understand the logic.
– Allow time alone when they get overwhelmed. Teach calming techniques.
– Encourage creativity through art, music, drama and storytelling.
– Teach them ethics and critical thinking skills to direct their idealism.
– Find individualized educational options such as gifted programs. Homeschool or unschool if school causes distress.
– Get them involved in acts of service to give their ideals an outlet.
– Respect their intuitions and insights but don’t inflate them as psychic.
– Set high expectations for their gifts rather than allowing them to become lazy or entitled.
– Find positive mentors and role models who share their passion for change.
– Screen them for learning disabilities, ADHD, ASD or mental health issues that may require treatment.
– Work cooperatively with them using their strengths to accomplish necessary tasks.
Criticisms of the Indigo Child Concept
While many find merit in the idea of Indigo Children, the concept has received criticism from various angles:
– There is no scientific evidence that Indigo Children represent a new stage in human evolution with expanded consciousness, as some claim. Genetic changes simply don’t occur that rapidly.
– Traits associated with Indigo Children like high intelligence, creativity, idealism, emotional sensitivity, independence and nonconformity are common in gifted children and not necessarily an indicator of a new human subgroup.
– The Indigo Child label tends to inflate children’s self-perceptions and encourage feelings of grandiosity or entitlement rather than humility and service to others.
– While the Indigo profile resonates with some children, for others it may lead to more social alienation, misunderstanding and unrealistic expectations that set them up for failure.
– The concept is highly subjective and vaguely defined. Nearly any child could qualify or be disqualified as an Indigo Child based on selective interpretation of traits.
– As an unscientific concept, Indigo Children are not recognized by the psychological, medical or educational establishment for purposes of research, diagnosis or services. There are no standards for identifying, validating or supporting them.
– Some critics argue Indigo Children are the product of self-obsessed, permissive parenting rather than possessing any inherent special gifts or purpose.
– The Indigo Child label can delay proper screening for disorders like ADHD, autism spectrum and mood/anxiety issues that require professional treatment and services.
Conclusion
The Indigo Child is a concept that resonates with many parents seeking to understand their gifted, sensitive or purpose-driven children struggling in conventional environments. However, there is debate around whether Indigo Children differ significantly from other children with high abilities, idealism and emotional sensitivity. Some argue for the benefits of validating these children as Indigos and tailoring support to their perceived gifts and life purpose. Critics claim the Indigo label is pseudoscientific, promotes damaging self-perceptions in children and may delay needed interventions. While the debate continues, parents of gifted, empathetic children with a drive to change the world may find the Indigo Child concept provides meaningful explanation and community. With proper guidance, these children have much to contribute if their gifts are nurtured with compassion and wisdom.
| Trait Category | Common Indigo Child Traits |
| Personality Attributes | Strong-willed, independent thinker, purpose-driven, idealistic, nonconformist, emotionally sensitive |
| Mental Attributes | High intelligence, fast learner, excellent intuition, highly creative, prefers metaphors/pictures over logic |
| Special Abilities | Psychic abilities, empathic, can read energies/emotions, experience synchronicities and insights |
| Social and Emotional Attributes | Frustrated by rigid systems, resists authority, prone to emotional meltdowns, prefers solitary time, difficulty relating to peers |
| Parenting and Education | Reacts badly to medicine/structure, needs freedom to explore interests, does best with alternative schooling or mentors |
