An introvert is a person who shies away from large social groups and situations. Introverts enjoy their own company and need time alone after socializing to recharge their batteries as they find social interaction very draining. If you have an introverted child, here are 5things to consider while bringing them up.
Respect Their Introversion
Society has always considered introverted kids to be ‘abnormal’ because they do not actively participate in social culture. This is very wrong. Introverts make up 50% of the world’s population, so they cannot be considered ‘odd.’
An introverted child should never be forced to join social get-togethers against their will and encouraged to be a social butterfly. Doing so would go against their nature and turn them into something they are not.
Give Them Alone Time
Introverts like to be left to their own devices. According to Myers-Briggs personality profiling, introverts such as the INFJ and ISTP in relationships with extroverts can become exhausted and emotionally drained. They need lots of time alone to recharge their social batteries. An INFJ person can absorb the emotions of other people and actually experience them too. If they meet an anxious or upset person, they will experience these feelings too.
If your child wants to sit in their room and read a book rather than play outside with other children, let them. Do not force people upon them as they will make close bonds with a small number of people, but these people will be treasured and will be a life-long friend. When it comes to friendships, introverts generally choose quality over quantity.
Let Them Express Themselves
Just because they don’t get up and dance at parties or clown around in front of other kids, it doesn’t mean that introverts cannot express their feelings. Introverted children often express their emotions through art, story writing, keeping a diary, or journaling. You as a parent should encourage these activities and nurture your child’s talents in these areas to increase their self-confidence. If your child is old enough, you could encourage them to write an online blog or express their emotions through photographs and art on social media platforms such as Instagram.
Listen to Them
Children who are introverted should be told that their views and opinions matter. When in large groups, they have a tendency to take a back seat when it comes to expressing opinions and will let extroverts take the stand. As their parent, you will need to explain to your child that they must freely offer their views to others, and you must listen to them; otherwise, they may get lost in their own minds.
Never Put the Spotlight on Them
Introverts hate being the center of attention, so you should never put them in a position where they are singled out in front of a crowd of people. Don’t scold, embarrass or make fun of them in public, as they will want to curl up and die. This could cause them to turn away from all social interaction, and they could become lonely and depressed.