Tips for Raising Introverted Kids

As a parent, you can't help but worry about your children. You want your children to get along with others at school and have a good life. Just like adults, some prefer their own company, while others want to be the center of attention.

Your child may be an introvert if you notice that he or she doesn't have many friends at school. You may notice that he or she would rather be home alone than hang out with friends. When taking your child somewhere new, you may notice that he or she takes a long time to warm up and join the party.

These introverted children can be harder to raise. They may need some extra guidance as they grow up. However, you don't need to worry. Your child is special and will grow up to have a good life.

Here are some tips to help you raise your introverted child.

It helps to know and understand introverted children. To raise an introverted child, you need to understand how they shine (especially if you are not that way). Read some blogs and books, so you can really understand why your child makes the choices that he does.

You must always respect his or her choices. It can be hard to see your child as someone who has only a few friends. However, forcing an inverted child to spend time in big groups can be very stressful. Instead, allow him or her to do things that he or she enjoys and excels in.

Fight for your child. Just like you may not understand how someone who is an introvert, others won't either. There may come a time when a teacher forces your child to do things that are upsetting (like work in large groups). You are going to have to work with other people to make sure that your child has a chance to excel socially and in school.

Don’t over schedule your child. Many children are in sports and other after-school activities. For introverts, going to school may be enough. He or she may need to come home to unwind. You may notice that your child needs time by him or herself before he or she can even talk to you.

Instead of spending time after school doing sports and other activities, your child may prefer spending time reading. You can't fill up your child's evenings and weekends with activities that may simply overwhelm him or her.

You are going to need to give your child time to warm up. When you do take your introvert out in a big group, you may notice that he or she takes a long time to warm up and join the group.

Your child may spend most of the party by your side, but you need to let him or her feel comfortable. Let your child look around and decide when he or she wants to get involved. You can't push your child. You can't get frustrated. Eventually, your child will get up and go play with the others. It just takes some time.

Introverted children need some extra love and attention. You need to realize what makes your child shine, even if you have to fight for it. You may not understand the way that your child acts, but you need to do everything that you can to allow him or her to be authentic.

You can do this by giving your child room to breathe. If he or she prefers some time alone at school, let him or her. Don't expect your child to do many activities after school. It might take everything for your child to get through the school day. You might also have to give your child time to warm up, when you do go somewhere. If he or she prefers to sit beside you, there is nothing wrong with that.