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How to Raise an Introverted Child in This Day and Age

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According to some estimates, introverts make up around 50% of the population. Despite this huge number, people always think that introverts are odd and mysterious and parents are especially worried about their little “shy” babies. We all think kids should be loud, friendly and outgoing, and if our kids turn quieter than others, we tend to worry whether they will have a “normal” life. However, instead of being seen as failed extroverts who reflect poorly on your parenting skills, we should all start appreciating introverts’ unique and important
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talents and strengths. 

But, since introverts are allegedly so misunderstood, knowing how to be a good parent to one can be a little confusing, especially for extroverted parents. So, here’s a little guide that will help you approach your kid the right way. 
Seek healthy outlets
Today’s world caters mostly to extroverts and the way they express their emotions. But, just like any kid, introverts love to express themselves, so make sure to encourage that behavior. Art, writing, journaling, yoga and many other types of outlets are very healthy.

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Even social media can be attractive to introverts since it allows kids to express themselves without having to engage in classic extrovert activities. 

Respect their privacy
Extroverted parents usually assume they need to always have their family together engaged in some group activity. While this approach is nice, it can often be too much for an introverted child. If you want to spend quality time with your kid, it’s best to schedule some one-on-one activities and make sure to give them plenty of privacy. It’s important to know that

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introverts “recharge” through peace and quiet, so providing them with time to reflect and process things is necessary. For introverts, spending time alone is as important as all other types of nourishment. 
Avoid pushing their limits
While introverted kids love solitude, spending all free time alone can lead to depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem. These negative side-effects often cause parents to put pressure on their kids by sneakily enrolling them in clubs, scheduling play dates and other social situations. However, raising a healthy
SelfishMother.com
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introvert requires a little more care and understanding. It’s always better to gently nudge your child to seek people with similar interests than to push them into uncomfortable situations. You can help them improve their social skills by engaging in conversation, analyzing social situations and advising them on how to interact with others. 
Forget about labels
It’s important to stop using negative words when talking about introverts. Your kid will sense your shame when you start making excuses for why they are not talkative or outgoing. Once you
SelfishMother.com
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accept their beautiful temperament, it will immensely improve your relationship and their self-esteem. You will start to see your little introvert as an amazing, intelligent and intriguing person rather than someone inadequate. Thanks to your acceptance, your child will be proud of their uniqueness and stop looking at it as something that needs to be changed. 

 

 
Teach them to stand up for themselves
Introverted kids are often quiet and tend to avoid attracting unnecessary attention, but that doesn’t mean their voices are not

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important. If you teach your kid to say No or Stop in a loud voice when there’s something unsatisfactory happening, it can prevent many awkward and even dangerous situations. Plus, it helps kids realize their voice is important and deserves to be heard. 
Teach them to love themselves
In most situations, extroverts are dominant, so introverts feel neglected. However, if you talk to your child about how other people behave, they will know to appreciate their own talents and unique personalities. Focus on their amazing talent to listen, observe and
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communicate in a calm and intimate level. In order to help their self-esteem, you can even find some famous and successful introverts for your kid to look up to. 

If you rush to “fix” your kid and try to raise them as in extrovert, it will leave long-lasting consequences on your introverted child. Their personality is nothing to be cured, but it should be nurtured as strength. Once you figure that out, you will raise a happy, confident and successful child that knows loves who they are.  

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- 17 Feb 20

According to some estimates, introverts make up around 50% of the population. Despite this huge number, people always think that introverts are odd and mysterious and parents are especially worried about their little “shy” babies. We all think kids should be loud, friendly and outgoing, and if our kids turn quieter than others, we tend to worry whether they will have a “normal” life. However, instead of being seen as failed extroverts who reflect poorly on your parenting skills, we should all start appreciating introverts’ unique and important talents and strengths. 

But, since introverts are allegedly so misunderstood, knowing how to be a good parent to one can be a little confusing, especially for extroverted parents. So, here’s a little guide that will help you approach your kid the right way. 

Seek healthy outlets

Today’s world caters mostly to extroverts and the way they express their emotions. But, just like any kid, introverts love to express themselves, so make sure to encourage that behavior. Art, writing, journaling, yoga and many other types of outlets are very healthy. Even social media can be attractive to introverts since it allows kids to express themselves without having to engage in classic extrovert activities. 

Respect their privacy

Extroverted parents usually assume they need to always have their family together engaged in some group activity. While this approach is nice, it can often be too much for an introverted child. If you want to spend quality time with your kid, it’s best to schedule some one-on-one activities and make sure to give them plenty of privacy. It’s important to know that introverts “recharge” through peace and quiet, so providing them with time to reflect and process things is necessary. For introverts, spending time alone is as important as all other types of nourishment. 

Avoid pushing their limits

While introverted kids love solitude, spending all free time alone can lead to depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem. These negative side-effects often cause parents to put pressure on their kids by sneakily enrolling them in clubs, scheduling play dates and other social situations. However, raising a healthy introvert requires a little more care and understanding. It’s always better to gently nudge your child to seek people with similar interests than to push them into uncomfortable situations. You can help them improve their social skills by engaging in conversation, analyzing social situations and advising them on how to interact with others. 

Forget about labels

It’s important to stop using negative words when talking about introverts. Your kid will sense your shame when you start making excuses for why they are not talkative or outgoing. Once you accept their beautiful temperament, it will immensely improve your relationship and their self-esteem. You will start to see your little introvert as an amazing, intelligent and intriguing person rather than someone inadequate. Thanks to your acceptance, your child will be proud of their uniqueness and stop looking at it as something that needs to be changed. 

 

 

Teach them to stand up for themselves

Introverted kids are often quiet and tend to avoid attracting unnecessary attention, but that doesn’t mean their voices are not important. If you teach your kid to say No or Stop in a loud voice when there’s something unsatisfactory happening, it can prevent many awkward and even dangerous situations. Plus, it helps kids realize their voice is important and deserves to be heard. 

Teach them to love themselves

In most situations, extroverts are dominant, so introverts feel neglected. However, if you talk to your child about how other people behave, they will know to appreciate their own talents and unique personalities. Focus on their amazing talent to listen, observe and communicate in a calm and intimate level. In order to help their self-esteem, you can even find some famous and successful introverts for your kid to look up to. 

If you rush to “fix” your kid and try to raise them as in extrovert, it will leave long-lasting consequences on your introverted child. Their personality is nothing to be cured, but it should be nurtured as strength. Once you figure that out, you will raise a happy, confident and successful child that knows loves who they are.  

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