Why we should celebrate not worry about introverts
Six Reasons to Celebrate Introverts
In parenting classes, I often hear concerns about children who are introverts. Parents worry that they won’t make friends, won’t be successful and will be unhappy throughout their lives. In the book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
Instead, here are some of the strengths that introverts can celebrate:
Introverts are highly observant— Introverts typically notice and remember details about people and their surroundings. They take time to notice and process what is happening around them.
Introverts are creative– Perhaps due to their powers of observation, introverts typically take the information that they observe and create wonderful new ideas. They can think outside of the box and provide a unique perspective on life. For this reason, they often make great writers and artists.
Introverts are great listeners– Introverts listen to understand, process and respond with thought and empathy. For this reason, they often make great teachers and counselors because they really tune in to others.
Introverts are introspective– Typically introverts are not quick to respond but need time to process information. They spend a lot of time thinking through and analyzing information about themselves and others.
Introverts are rarely bored– Because introverts are deep thinkers they are constantly planning and working out their dreams and goals in their head. This can keep them entertained and busy!
Introverts are loyal friends– Because introverts are thoughtful observers who value their time alone, they typically choose a select few friends. With their inner circle, they are supportive and loyal through thick and thin.
Parenting the Introvert
In the past, many parents felt a need to “help” children who were introverts overcome what were seen as deficits. Today, thanks to much research and eye opening work like Susan Cain’s book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
Here are some of her main points:
- Take the time to understand the personality style of your introverted child
- Don’t try to change them into someone more extroverted by pushing them into sports, activities, play dates or anything that they are not interested in doing
- Recognize that the areas where they have strengths are sometimes solitary pursuits. Encourage and celebrate these talents.
- Learn about and share with them the lives of some of the famous introverts. Rosa Parks, Albert Einstein and Eleanor Roosevelt are a few.
- Recognize and teach children that introverts can be leaders, performers, really anything that they have a passion for, they just go at it from a different direction.
- Celebrate with your child the characteristics they have that make them uniquely special.
Want to learn more?
Understanding and Celebrating Personality Style
Do you sometimes feel that your children or students are speaking a different language? Do you wonder how to motivate and inspire them? Learn your own personality style and how to speak the language of other personality styles to create a winning environment. Schedule Dream Academy to come to your school or parent group to learn communication tips and how to develop leadership and resiliency. Here’s what parents are saying:
I was delighted to meet you and liked your method to get people involved. I have been attending monthly foster parent training for a lot of years and haven’t met anyone to get that group out of their seats like you did. I hope to see you for additional training on campus. –Bob
Here’s what educators are saying:
The model of human behavior helped me to understand my traits better and how it affects how I run my class. Megan P.
Valuable framework for professional and personal interactions. Nicole M.
Good Stuff. Rebecca H.
It is information that I will be able to refer back to and use. Kali B.
The presentation was very helpful and insightful. Useful information. Candice F.
