Proponents of the Indigo Child concept describe these children as possessing a specific set of characteristics, including high empathy, a strong sense of self, spiritual awareness, and resistance to authority.

According to Carroll and Tober, Indigo Children are characterized by a range of distinctive traits. These often include a deep sense of self-worth and knowing they are special, an aversion to rigid, traditional systems (school, authority figures), a feeling of entitlement, and a strong inner compass. They are frequently described as highly creative, intuitive, empathetic, and possessing a deep spiritual awareness. Some proponents also suggest psychic abilities or an ability to communicate with spiritual entities. These traits are presented as evidence of their unique evolutionary purpose: to challenge old paradigms and pave the way for a more enlightened society.