Raising an Introverted Child

Raising an introverted child is not exactly a bad thing, parents just have to learn how they process their thoughts. In addition, introverted children are deep thinkers and usually have high IQs. Many introverted children are quiet and as they reach puberty it may seem like these kids are pushing you away as parents, but they really are not. They still want to know you are around, and they talk when they are ready to have a conversation on their time. They generally speak in a quiet voice and people tend to listen when they speak because they only talk when they have something extremely interesting or educational to say. They march to their own tunes and often are overachievers. They have vivid imaginations and are happier daydreaming and reading or watching videos. There is nothing wrong with this because most of these children also have photographic memories so studying comes easy for them. They tend to choose their friends wisely and don’t care if they don’t participate in cliques and follow the crowd. They are very unique individuals.

Parents often become confused by introverted children because they don’t understand what this is because parents most likely were more extroverted. Your child is reserved and doesn’t join in with the other kids. Your child likes to watch instead of play. You may become frustrated because your child has long periods of silence which may make parents feel uncomfortable. Most parents are at a loss for words. These kids also like to hang out alone in their room and hesitate to volunteer any information in class. They may only have one or two close friends and they are fine with that. There is nothing wrong with your child. They are smarter than you give them credit for. They know how to entertain themselves but there still might be a possibility that your child may have anxiety and depression like any other kid so watch for symptoms. Look for complete withdrawal from the few friends they have and low energy because this may suggest anxiety or a form of depression.

On the contrary, most introverted kids are not depressed or anxious at all. They just have a different temperament. They are still looking for your acceptance so make sure you show emotions and they will be just as happy as a lark.

Understand these kids are not minorities

Some of the most famous people are introverts and that includes Bill Gates, Emma Watson, Warren Buffet, J.K. Rowling, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi are well-known introverts.

Biology makes up the introverts temperament

Remember that the introvert and extrovert have different brain chemistry. The nerves of the brain transmitters use different areas of their nervous systems. Extroverts tend to fight or flight, while introverts tend to rest and think slowly. Introverts also have thicker gray matter in the area of the brain that is associated with abstract thought and decision making skills. Just remember this is all biological if you have an introverted child.

The introvert needs to adapt to new people and situations slowly

Introverts tend to be more anxious and overwhelmed in different places and when meeting people. If you are going to a huge party and taking your introverted child, most likely your child will shy away from the other children at the party. You could try arriving at the event a little earlier so your child is more at ease and can find a comfortable space so when others arrive, your child feels they are comfortable in a designated area they chose.

Your child can always stand back a little bit so they feel safe and observe what is going on so your child can process their thoughts comfortably. These kids are in tune with everything and everyone around them, including themselves. They can make their own decisions by studying people and choose what makes them feel comfortable and who doesn’t. You might want to ask your child if they plan on talking if you can’t get there earlier and how they feel about talking to people they don’t know very well.

When school starts. Some introverted children are nervous about a new school year, so most classrooms have an orientation so kids can come and see their classrooms and meet their teachers and find their way around the school and to their locker before the school year starts.

You are always going to have new experiences that arise in life and if you are raising an introverted child, take your time but don’t abandon them and let them go on their own. You must learn to respect their boundaries within reason but don’t let your child be a quitter.

Introverted children need breaks from socialization

Extroverts are the type of people that feed off of energy from other people, while introverts feel that energy and become anxious because they are so sensitive. This socialization for long periods is very tiring for introverts. Older children can always leave and find a quiet place. You have to watch your child if they are younger and if they appear drained, watch them for signs of overtiredness.

Encourage an introvert for taking small baby steps

Always remember to tell your child you are proud of them if they are an introvert and go out of their way to talk to someone new. Let them know you understand that was difficult for them but you notice that they made the effort.

Be aware that introverts don’t ask for your help

Introverts keep their problems to themselves and don’t necessarily talk to parents about sticky situations that happen in their lives. If you notice your child is struggling with something, it doesn’t hurt to ask them some questions and listen if they chose to share things with you. Don’t push them into talking to you or they may feel like you are being too nosey.

Don’t tell people your child is shy

Don’t put a label on an introvert because if they overhear that you are telling people they are shy, they might begin not to trust your judgment about who they really are. You don’t have to make excuses for your child if they are introverted, and you certainly wouldn’t want them to think they are shy. The label doesn’t help your child understand why they really are quiet and reserved.

Understand introverted children need time alone

The normal things kids do in life that revolve around socialization will completely overwhelm an introverted child. Don’t be hurt or think your child is ashamed of their family when they choose to be alone. These kids love to read, play imagination games and maybe just sit quietly and listen to music. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact, more people should spend some down time in a quiet area to rejuvenate themselves.

Remember your child is special

You have an extraordinary child if your child is an introvert. These children are often kind, thoughtful, generous, helpful, organized and very interesting people. Just remember they have to feel safe and in control of a place that works for them in order to start chattering away.