World Of An Introverted Child: Things You Must Know

Does your child find it difficult to interact with other children at a birthday party or a gathering? Or, do they like to spend time watching activities or games before actually joining them? If the answer to these questions is a yes, then your kid is an introvert. Understanding the mindset of an introverted child is very important for parents because most of the times these kids are misunderstood and may fall prey to the problems of anxiety and depression at a very tender age.

Not only parents but schools and teachers too should try to understand the behaviour of an introverted kid as it can help them in being happier and thus perform better. Here is an account of how an introverted kid is different from their counterpart- extroverts, and what all parents and teachers need to know about them.

Because the brain of an Introvert works differently from that of an Extrovert!

Biology has proved that the brain of an introvert works differently from that of an extrovert. Both types use different sides and pathways of their nervous system to perceive, think, and make decisions.

It is often said that introverts are more creative than extroverts, well it is because they have thicker and larger grey matter in their prefrontal cortices and this part of the brain is responsible for decision-making and generating abstract thoughts.

Whilst extroverts prefer the sympathetic side of their brain that prompts ‘flight, fight, or freeze’ response, introverts make use of the parasympathetic side which, on the other hand, is 'rest and digest' system. Hence, an introvert is more reserved and cautious than an extrovert. This is the reason why parents and schools need to respond accordingly to the introverted children as they aren’t very comfortable at initiating things such as public speaking, or hosting an event.

An Introverted Child: Understanding the Characteristics

Being reserved and cautious are just a few characteristics that an introverted child exhibit. Below are some more interesting characteristics of an introverted kid that would help you understand them in a better way:

• Group settings might be challenging for them: Most of the parents and schools may notice this quite often. Some kids at school are very comfortable working in teams and groups while others don’t just gel that well. While we all like extroverted kids in the first place, it is important to understand the not-so outgoing group as well. In such a scenario, both parents and teachers should encourage the introverted kids to interact, rather than just blame them and give them punishments for their reserved behaviour.
• Deeper aspects of life entice them: Blame it to their brain, but an introverted child is pulled by the deeper aspects of life. They want to understand everything around them- the surroundings, the people, and even themselves!
• They are very good observers! Introverted kids are more cautious; hence they believe in observing and watching an activity or a game instead of just diving in and trying it in the first place. This further makes introverted children good observers. They take complete time to make a decision or to try out an activity.
• They might take time to show their real personalities: Introverts do not like short conversations, not even as kids! It takes time for them to be who they really are. It depends on others how affable you are with them. Also, introverted kids might not become friends with everyone but make sure that they are always there for those who they’re deeply connected with.
• The way they socialise is different from extroverts: An extroverted kid may initiate for most of the activities at the school or feel very comfortable around the relatives at home, you can’t give all the praise to them. Having too many friends might sound like a great idea for an extrovert, but an introverted child finds it good with only 2 or 3 friends. This is because introverts always look for depth in relationships, no matter what their age is.
• An Inner World of their own: With an introverted child around, expect a mind that continuously weaves a vivid inner world of its own. While people can’t always be there with them, their inner world can! This, in fact, is one of the most interesting characteristics of an introverted mind which lets them work better alone rather than constantly requiring guidance and support from other people. 

How should you behave with an introverted child?

There’s no denying that it’s easy to understand and get along with an extroverted child but you just can’t be impertinent with an introverted kid because of their different ways. Pointers below may help change your outlook towards an introverted child.

• Listen to them: Just because they don’t initiate, you can’t leave them like that. Talk to them, listen to what they’re trying to say. Interacting with them will help them to be more productive, and live happily.
• Praise them whenever they step out of their comfort zone: Whether they performed well at a speech competition, or hosted a party, always be there to appreciate their efforts. Do not forget that such children can become great leaders of tomorrow.
• Feel free to introduce them to new people: While introverted kids might hesitate to introduce themselves to new people, you can do this for them. Once they get comfortable, they might start initiating the process from next time on.
• Don’t tag them as ‘shy’: Being reserved or cautious doesn’t mean that a child is shy. One good thing we can do is, stop calling them shy and make them feel small about themselves.
• Motivate them, don’t break them: Be at home, or school, an introverted child should always be motivated. Constant comparisons with extroverts or being ignored for the way they are may break the self-esteem of an introverted child.

Children are our future and the greatest treasure we have; hence we need to raise them right. Whether a child is an introvert, or an extrovert the best we can do is be gentle with them and teach them to learn in their own ways. After all, life is a journey and not a race. With that they can use School Management Software for better growth and Development.