Is your child sensitive, quiet or an introvert?

Too much noise!

For children who are sensitive, school can be a nightmare. All the noises, discussions, arguments, and playing can be overwhelming. Even required to talk all day can be too much for your child. Highly sensitive, quiet, and gentle souls, often introverted, find it hard to cope in such an environment. Hearing other children arguing or being bullied can drain a highly sensitive personality. Your child may come home from school not wishing to talk and wanting to be alone to recharge.

Is your child sensitive, quiet or an introvert? Parents, especially extroverted parents, may be at a loss in understanding why their children want to be alone. But these children need to be alone to recover from the overstimulation of the school environment.

It is not about you. As a parent, you may feel, “What am I doing wrong?” If you are an extrovert, or naturally social, you may not understand why your child is not interested in interacting with others. Feeling frustrated, you may push your child to be around family members and other children, and involved in clubs, sports, or events, but this may be the last thing your child needs.

I am both highly sensitive and social, but I still need time alone to recharge. My husband is an extrovert and likes to talk, fortunately he is understanding and gives me space when I need it. Going for a walk outside in nature helps me recharge, along with reading, meditating, journaling, and praying. Your child may be the same.

Your concern for your child shows your love, and just because your child needs alone time doesn’t mean you have failed or are failing as a parent. Give your child time away from everyone or even suggest a quiet activity, such as going for a walk, reading together, playing a game, sport, or doing a craft. Give your child time to relax away from others. Even if you don't need quiet time, your child may need it and become irritable and frustrated without it.

While extroverts are energized by other people, introverts are worn out by too much social activity. What is your child's behavior in social situations? Does he/she get very emotional and frustrated with all the people, activity and conversations? Does your child look tired after a social event? This may be an indication of your child's sensitivity and personality.

Once you give your child time to reenergize, away from others, he/she will be refreshed and ready to socialize again. Pay attention to your child’s needs, which may be different from your own, and once refreshed, your child will want to spend time with others again, including you. Don't worry, your child feels your love!

Deborah Ann Minke, M.A., B. Ed., OCT, CH-C

Energize and Rise LLC.

https://www.energizeandrise.com

(I write my own blogs :)