Our society is geared more towards extroversion than introversion. From the time we’re young, we are encouraged to be outgoing, make friends and socialize. At work, an emphasis is placed on group activities, teamwork, and brainstorming. Even social media encourages us to always stay connected with others.
As a result, being an introvert is regarded as something of an oddity. If one of our kids is quieter and more reserved than their siblings, we worry something isn’t quite right. Then we proceed to spend an awful lot of time trying to mold them to fit societal standards. We organize play dates or fill their schedules with dance classes, team sports and a host of activities designed to jump-start their social lives. Louder, boisterous people appear more popular and confident so we want that for our kids.
Introverts Are Wired Differently
But really, there’s nothing wrong with your child if they often get lost in their thoughts or prefer spending time alone over hanging out in a crowd.
Research has shown that introverts’ brains function differently from extroverts, explaining the various differences in temperament and behavior.
Introverted kids, therefore, need acceptance, encouragement, and support, not fixing.
Help Your Introverted Child Thrive
Accepting your child as they are and encouraging them to embrace their individuality increases their self-confidence and makes for a braver, more self-assured child. The trick lies in working with their individual strengths, not against them.
Here’s how to bring out the best in your introverted kid:
Start with yourself.
You need to accept that your introverted child will never be a social butterfly and that’s ok. Pushing them to be anything other than what they are can cause your child to think something is inherently wrong with them. This, in turn, might lead to low self-esteem social anxiety and other complications. To avoid this, be careful how you communicate with your child and ensure you’re loving and supportive.
Encourage their self-expression.
While introverts might not have bubbly and chatty personalities, they do have a vibrant internal world and do well where they have outlets for self-expression. You can encourage them to take up art, creative writing, journaling, or whatever they may be interested in.
Allow them to develop their own interests.
You’ve likely noticed that your introverted kid prefers solitary activities. Instead of forcing them to take part in group activities, respect their autonomy and allow them to develop their interests organically. This way, they’ll grow up with greater confidence in their abilities and will have more interest in nurturing their talents.
Help them embrace their individuality.
With all the attention going to extroverts, the introverts in your family might get lost in the shuffle and end up feeling neglected or out of place. While spending time together as a whole family unit is important, carve out time for a one-on-one bonding session with your introverted kid. This will not only strengthen your relationship but also give you valuable insight into your child’s personality.
Your child will thrive as long as you teach them to see their introversion as a strength to be celebrated and not a handicap overcome.
This story has been republished to Medium.
Photo credit: iStock