Useful Tips for Parenting an Introverted Child
So you have a child who doesn’t act as social as you want him too? Perhaps you think there’s something abnormal with the child if he doesn’t want to join friends at play but prefers to read a story book alone?
You have an introvert child. And it’s perfectly normal. In fact, introverts are more likely to display brilliance and are likely to be more understanding.
A Few Tips to Parenting an Introvert Child are
1. Understand that it is Normal
The biggest problem in parenting an introvert child is that everyone thinks there is something wrong. In actuality, there is nothing wrong and it is absolutely normal to have a child who behaves a bit restrained in the company of others. Once you understand this, the other parts will become easier.
2. Allow Them to Socialize at Their Pace
Introverts are mostly slow to initiate communication and prefer to talk to a smaller group than a huge one. It is best to allow them their time and let them socialize at their own pace. Once they pass the initial hesitance, they’ll be as talkative and communicative as anyone else.
3. Befriend Them
They are very talkative to their friends. They will often talk their hearts out to a few people than talk to everyone. Try being a friend and not a parent. Discuss your life with them, get them on an equal level. Once they open up, you’ll never have any issue in your life.
4. Work on Their Passions
Most of the times, an introvert is someone who has a great passion for something in life. If you have befriended your child, the next step is to find out and encourage their passions. You are likely to find many of their interests and if you encourage them, you might have someone who is really brilliant at some particular talent.
5. Take Them to Social Parties More Regularly
It might seem a bit odd, but allowing them the exposure will help them get acclimatized to those gatherings. This will help them understand how to behave and interact in such situations. They will take their time, but will gradually pick up.
6. Respect Their Alone Time
Just like you wish to have your alone time, your children might want too. They may want to spend some time thinking about anything, or reading a book, or simply doing nothing. Allow them that luxury because that is what makes them a special child- the one who already has some of the abilities of the grownups.
Learn the difference between normal nature and depression. While introvert children are natural, about 30-50% of all children are introverts- there’s another thing that is called childhood depression. Yes, depression can occur even in childhood. Look for the signs if your child is mentally depressed if he has some change in habits and anything that seems problematic. Read about the symptoms of childhood depression, or consult a specialist with the symptoms first. If the specialist wants to see the child, only then take him. Most likely though, introvert children are very common and you’re perhaps lucky to have them.
