Raising Your Introvert/Extrovert Child

Your little boy is always excited to meet his friends and eagerly plays with them, while your girl is quiet and prefers keeping her face in a book. No, it’s not their gender; it’s their personality traits that make them behave the way they do. How does a parent handle the different personality types and bring out the best in their children?

- Jennifer F Netto

Irene, a mother of two boys, was excited to pick her son up from his first day at kindergarten. She was expecting to hear exciting stories of his teachers and newfound friends, which was what her oldest child shared when he started school three years ago. To her surprise, she found her five-year-old sitting quietly on the swing waiting for her, while his classmates were having a blast with one another. Irene thought her son was unwell as his response to his first day of kindergarten was nothing like his older brother’s.

What was the difference between her sons? At home, they behaved the same way with everyone, but out of the house, her oldest was always ready to socialise and talk while her youngest preferred keeping to himself.

Understanding their uniqueness

Introvert and extrovert are terms used in describing personality and a person’s response and behavior in situations and to stimulation. They are opposing ends of a spectrum, and the contrasting personality traits can be observed in children as young as toddlers. In general, extroverts are exuberant and sociable, often needing an exciting environment; introverts are the opposite, preferring to be alone or in a small group. They may be perceived as shy, even though that may not necessarily be the case.

No two children are alike; likewise, parenting methods should be adjusted to best manage each child.

Social interaction