The human race is a heterogeneous mixture of different species of people depending on personality trait differences: the introverts, the extroverts, and the ambiverts. Each one of them has their own characteristic differences and we should respect them for it. Some of us learn to adapt to our surroundings, however, some of us fail to do so and might not resemble the other half of the population. But, that doesn't mean they are not humans or crazy, or they have some problem.
When it comes to introverts, people start assuming weird things about them. Some even assume them to be mentally ill. But, that's very unethical to do, and it seriously needs to change.
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An introvert child is unique in themselves, however, it is of utmost importance to understand their needs. They live in their own shell and their key traits can be felt easily as they are coy, quiet, thoughtful, observant and extremely soft. Every child grows differently which might seem weird to you, which could somehow even create problems with your parenting.
As parents, it's your responsibility to understand the uniqueness of the child and formulate the right, effective methods of parenting to suit the needs of your child. It might be difficult for every parent to deal with the difference in personality of their child with theirs, but little efforts can lead the buds to blossom into beautiful flowers.
Below are some tips for you parents in parenting their introvert child.
#1. Accept Their Uniqueness
Most of the parents have the same question, how to raise an introvert child? According to a research, introverts make up to roughly 50-74 percent of the entire population. With this high percentage of existence, every 2 to 3 children out of 4 would be an introvert, and thus, most of the parents have the same question. And, all we can say is, the first step towards parenting an introvert child is accepting them as they are, accepting their uniqueness. I can totally understand the expectations we have from our child as parents, we want them to do things which we couldn’t do. In a way, we try to live up the life we compromised our childhood through our little innocent souls. Children are like delicate flowers, you pressurize them and they will fade, and you won’t like that. So, be a good parent, and accept your child's uniqueness and embrace them in their good and bad times, in sickness and in health.
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#2. Give Them Time To Adapt
Some children are fast learners, while others are a little slow; everyone takes their own time to adapt to their surroundings. Not everyone can be the rabbit in the "rabbit and turtle" race, someone has to be the turtle. And, if you understood the story well, you'll let your child take their sweet time to settle. Introverts are a little slow, but they are invincible when they are in their own settings. They have their own skills which can be used by parents as their highs to balance their lows. Allow your child the time they require and slowly-steadily introduce them to things which you want them to learn. Introduce your child to new people, new situations that they may face in life, take it one at a time. The introvert child is known for social anxiety, the awkwardness that comes with over thinking about socializing.
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#3. Don't Assume They'll Suffer The Same Fate
As mentioned above, every 3 out of 4 children is an introvert, and even you might have suffered the consequences of being an introvert. If you were an introvert in your childhood, don't just assume your child will have the same fate. Moreover, if you were an introvert as a child, then "Hey! take this is an added advantage to help you in parenting your introvert kid." Let your child walk at their own pace and wait for them if they lag behind. Don't force them to walk at your pace or carry them on your shoulder, you'll destroy them.
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#4. Don't Label Them For Their Shyness
Your child is an introvert and knowing that you have to be cautious about the names or synonyms you will use to call them. Labelling your child as ‘shy’ can make them feel bad, and they would start taking their nervousness as a permanent trait. Use words or synonyms of name that motivates them rather than doing the opposite.
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#5. Be Early Bird To Social Events
Imagine yourself as a person who is not very used to gatherings and you're being taken to one, and as soon as you get in everyone starts staring at you. Not just introverts, anyone will feel social anxiety which will make things difficult to adapt to the surroundings. Thus, be the early bird in parties and social gatherings if you're taking your child with you. It will help your child adapt to the environment and own it properly, then it would seem make them feel that others are joining in the space. That's somehow a little less awkward.
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#6. Teach Them To Voice Their Opinions
Introverts are very opinionated people, they are very thoughtful, but they are shy, which makes them keep their feelings about everything to themselves. This can lead to an adult who'll succumb to their problem but never stand for themselves. This is wrong, but this can be avoided by right parenting. Emphasize on standing up for themselves and fight for their right, teach it as a part of education, so they never get humiliated for what they are by anybody. Make them strong individuals.
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#7. Respect Their Need For Alone Time And Space
Introverts need their own space and loneliness, it's how they deal with problems. But, you wouldn't know that unless you be with one and try to know them. So, whenever your child feels stressed or has a bad day, let them be alone in silence. However, reach them after a while, when you feel is the right time to talk and engage them in conversation, give them examples of people who overcame the same problem.
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#8. Do Activities To Help Them Get Over Their Shyness
On special days like birthdays, weekends, even on random days, organize activities which they can use to overcome their shyness and introversion. Invite people but start with lower numbers, ensure your locality has an abundance of neighbors with children of similar age, and invite kids along with their parents often to your house, so your champ can enjoy the company of a good friend. Also, make sure you don't change your residence unless they're old enough to cope up with the change in circumstances. Introverts find difficulties in making friends, and what's worse is leaving an old one.
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#9. Introduce A Parent-Child Activity For Weekdays
Any activity like fishing, swimming, a basket ball match, or anything else which allows you and your child to spend time together will work. Try to do it on a fixed day of every month so they can get along with you and start sharing things with you.
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#10. Bring Home Your Parents
Every child has a liking towards their grandparents, be it an extrovert or an introvert. Bringing them will give your child a mentor and a friend who will help them grow up well. Also, your parents are experienced, they have already dealt with you, and they certainly know how to deal with their grand child. You will never need to tell your parents what do to help you in parenting your introvert child.
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We hope you liked the article. Let us know if you have a different opinion about the article or your tips about parenting an introvert child and let the secret be known to others.
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