Worried about your little one because he/she is an introvert? You needn’t be. Seeing you worried would give your child the impression that you don’t appreciate him/her enough, which will make him/her recoil into the shell further. Instead, celebrate the way that he/she is, give him/her the environment that he/she deserves to grow at his/her own pace and watch him/her be comfortable in his/her own skin.
The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Tripti Choudhary Vaid, a Child, Adolescent & Young Adult Psychologist, and discussed 11 tips that parents of introverted kids should always be mindful of.
1. Accept The Way your Child Is
Most parents want their children to be outgoing, interactive and sociable. But introverted children are wired differently. The first tip for parents is to accept their children for who they are instead of trying to fit them into the mould they have about the kind of child they want.
2. Understand That There Is A Biological Perspective
Research shows that the brains of introverts and extroverts are wired differently. So, there is a biological reason for the way your child processes the social world in the way they do.
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3. Introduce Your Child To Situations Slowly
Large gatherings may be hard for introverted children to cope with. Smaller gatherings with fewer people may be a better bet for introverted children. Also, preparation for the event may be needed such as reaching ahead of time so that one can feel ‘comfortable’ in the space, or observing from a distance and joining in when one is ready or just talking about the situation ahead of time and trying to explain what could be expected of it.
4. Remind Them That They Can Take Breaks Whenever Needed
Being in a social situation is hard work for a child who is introverted so notice signs of fatigue or zoning out and ask them to take a break.
5. Appreciate Your Child’s Effort
Remember every small effort counts. So please appreciate your child for being in a social situation. Such appreciation will help in reducing the nervousness they feel about being around people.
Read: 10 Toys Your Child Will Never Get Tired Of
6. Help Them Hone Their Interests & Passions
Your child may already have a unique interest or you can help your child develop one. Whether it is art, music, writing, give your child opportunities to develop them.
7. Deep Friendships
Introverted children may not have a huge friend group but may have a few friends with whom they share a deep relationship. Please understand this and accept it.
8. Talk To The Teachers About Your Child’s Introversion
Introverted children’s behaviour may sometimes be misinterpreted. Talking to the teachers will prevent them from being misinterpreted as not attentive or disinterested. In fact, introverted children are quite attentive in class but they often prefer to listen than actively participate.
9. Teach Your Child To Stand Up For Themselves
Teaching them to say ‘NO’ in a loud voice is very important. Encourage your child to talk to you or an adult if they are being bullied or troubled. Remember to teach them that their voice really does matter.
10. Really ‘Hear’ Your Child
It takes courage for an introverted child to communicate. So, if they are saying something please make them feel ‘heard’. Keep the channels of communication open. Nudge them for stuff going on in their lives rather than beat it out of them. Gently ask them rather than make it sound like an interrogation.
11. Celebrate Your Child
Every child is unique and every child has their strengths. Focus and celebrate the strengths and abilities of the child.
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