Introvert Or Extrovert: Both Are Advantages - Blog
I have read a lot of stories lately about kids naturally being introverted and how to navigate parties and social interactions when they are in tow. Or articles about how to reign in extroverts.
This got me thinking about our own situation with our middle child. We were recently called into school by her teacher during conference time because they were worried about her being too introverted. The teacher explained they had her meet with a counsellor to make sure she didn’t have anxiety and since it was determined she did not, what we could do to help her come out of her shell.
Now I understand there are extreme cases of introverts and extroverts. Introvert extreme case being anxiety and extrovert extreme case being A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. But if your child has met with school officials or a psychologist and it’s determined they are just introverted (shy) or extroverted (extremely outgoing), what should you do as a parent?
For me personally, I thought about what it was like to be that first grader. Now, I consider myself fairly outgoing having given several speeches throughout my work career and having a good network of friends, but that was not always the case. I was fairly shy as a child. Here are the 5 things I have learned so far in my life that I am now going to apply to my child:
Activities: No matter what the temperament of your child, there are groups, sports or other after school activities they can join. I remember this was a great way to interact with others and now my child has more confidence getting to know her classmates in an environment outside of the school.
Myers-Briggs Personality Test: I took this test as part of a college class, but I think it’s worth kids taking it as well. Now I realize that with the age of your child, they may not be able to answer some of these questions themselves. You may need to take the test based on your observation of them, but it may help better explain how best to teach and instruct them from a parent perspective.
Engage in Opposites: This is something I learned on my first job. I worked in public relations in a fast-paced agency. I read in an exercise magazine you should engage in a fitness routine that is opposite of what you do for your career. So putting this in a child perspective, if your child is extroverted, you would enroll them in a swimming class or some sort of self-focused form of exercise. This helps balance out their personality by doing the opposite of what you are used to doing.
Peer talk with your child: I think a lot of times we forget what it was like to be a student or to navigate a new school year. Try to think back to when you were younger and what helped you along the way. Then you can better talk with your child on how to help them learn.
World built for extroverts and introverts: While it’s important that your child not speak out of turn during class or feel confident enough to give a book report in front of class, this world has room for extroverts and introverts. Check out Daily Infographic for jobs suited for extroverts and introverts. Maybe find activities your child can do now, to prepare them for that career down the road.
Do you have an introverted or an extroverted child? Please comment below and let me know your thoughts.
