Raising an Introvert Child – Tips to Bring Out the Best in Your Kid

As parents, we do everything to raise our children in the best possible manner to prepare them to face the world. However, sometimes parents may face various challenges in raising their child as not all kids are extroverts or talk about their problems openly. Personality traits of children help parents in nurturing them. However, raising an introvert child can be difficult. An introvert child is often mistaken for being shy, but their personality traits are not the same. If you think that your child is an introvert, you must know how to raise them. Read this article to get a clear idea of introvert kids and how to raise them.

Who are Introverted Kids?

How do you establish that you have an introvert child? Almost all kids are shy in front of strangers, so how will you identify that your kid is an introvert? Here are some common signs of an introverted child to help you identify if your child is an introvert too:

• An introvert child may get hassled when exposed to a lot of activity, novelty, or noise. They may throw tantrums in such situations.
• Your kid may be curious to know about the things around them but may be sceptical in exploring the same. They will observe and will think prior to speaking anything.
• Your kid may exhibit a quiet nature and may take some time to open up to strangers. They may feel conscious and uneasy in front of unfamiliar people.
• Your child may live in their own world.
• Your kid may struggle in expressing their emotions and feelings, and you may often find them pausing during conversations in search of the right word.
• According to a study, it was observed that preterm or low birth babies turn out to be introverts as they grow up.

Challenges of Introvert Children

All kids have different personalities, and they have their share of challenges too. By looking at their personality, you cannot say that one child is better than the other. If a child talks less or keeps to themselves, you cannot say that they are arrogant or rude; they just may be an introvert. Introverted children find it difficult to talk about their challenges or problem freely. If your child is an introvert too, you must try to understand the kind of challenges they may face to help them deal with them.

• While working on group projects in school, an introverted child may find it challenging to contribute their ideas. Though they may have many ideas, they might not be able to express them in front of their group members and will settle for whatever others say.
• Your child may fear attending social gathering or parties, where they may have to interact with people. Being a part of a large group is difficult for introverts, as they may only get along with a few members.
• If you have sent your child to a camp or workshop, they may get overwhelmed as they will have to interact with new kids.
• If your child has switched their school, it might be difficult for them to make new friends quickly.
• During family reunions, an introverted child may become uneasy while getting acquainted with the extended family.

• Making friends and maintaining a friendship is hard for introvert children.

The above-mentioned points are some of the challenges that your kid may have to face if they are an introvert; however, as a parent, you should help your kid in dealing with such situations in an effective manner. Let us find out how you may do so in the following section.

How to Raise an Introvert Child

Before we discuss how to help an introvert child, it is important for parents to understand that being an introvert is not a flaw or any kind of psychological disorder for which you may have to seek treatment or other cautionary measures. It is just a personality trait that some kids are born with, and there is nothing wrong with being an introvert. But sometimes, parents may not be able to understand how to deal with an introverted child, and for that, we have the following tips for you:

1. Appreciate Your Kid’s ‘Alone Time’

Introvert kids love to spend time alone, in their own dreamy world. As a parent of an introvert child, you should understand and respect it and let your kid have a little me-time to process their thoughts and recharge themselves.

2. Assure Your Child

Your kid may be under constant scrutiny for being quiet and shy. But as a responsible parent, you must realise that there is nothing wrong with being an introvert. You need to make your child understand this too. You must assure your child that they are perfect the way they are and that they need not worry about what others perceive of them. There are many famous personalities such as J.K Rowling, Mother Teresa, Bill Gates and many others who are or were introverts. Give your child examples of these personalities to reassure them.

3. Introduce Your Kid to Strangers Gradually

Introvert kids find it difficult to be around people they do not know. Therefore, don’t expect or force your kid to start a conversation with unknown people as soon as they meet them. Give your child some time to mingle with people around.

4. Encourage Your Kid to Follow Their Passion

You may notice that your child may show interest in unique or intense things. Not all kids love to be outdoors or engage in softball or volleyball. Your kid may want to invest their time in a science camp or writing classes. Therefore, appreciate your child’s choices and help them pursue their passion.

5. Encourage Your Kid to Stand for Themselves

Your kid may get bullied in school for being an introvert. Tell them to stand for what they feel is right and do not let other children take advantage of them. By encouraging them to fight for themselves, you instil confidence in a child.

6. Help Your Kid Express Their Feelings

Introvert kids may find it difficult to express their feelings and emotions. If your kid finds it difficult to express their feelings directly to you, encourage them to write a journal, indulge in art activities, free play and other such activities that help them convey their emotions.

7. Tell Them That It is Alright to Have Few Friends

The quantity of friends is not indicative of how well or successful your kid is in various aspects of life. If they do not feel comfortable to be around many people, it is absolutely fine that they surround themselves with a few good friends only. Being popular and having loads of friends is not important; however, having a good, understanding friend is important. Make your child understand that having 100 friends who won’t support them isn’t valuable. If they have one good friend who will support them in times of trouble, then they have everything.

8. Talk to Your Child’s Teachers

Sometimes of your kid’s introvert personality traits may be taken as being shy or lazy by the teachers. However, if you talk to your kid’s teachers in advance, then it may help them in understanding and dealing with your kid in a positive way.

9. Appreciate Your Child’s Efforts

Sometimes you may notice your kid taking the initiative to talk to strangers. Make it a point to appreciate and encourage your kid whenever you observe such behaviour.

10. Understand When Your Kid Needs Help

An introvert kid may not like to ask for help and may keep fighting with their problems on their own. It is very important for you, as a parent, to pick up cues and ask your kid if they are facing any problems. However, do not interrogate or pry but simply ask questions; if they do not wish to share, give them time. They will come around in some time, and then you can help them.

Every child is special and unique in their own way, and all children have different personalities. It is okay to be an introvert, and if your child is one, do not force them to be someone they are not. Understand and empathise with your kid and help them make an identity of their own.

Also Read: Tips to Handle Highly Sensitive Kid