Motivating Your Child

Keep your introverted child from being overlooked at school

We live in a world of extroverts. So a child who takes longer to speak up in class can be at a disadvantage.

Teachers can sometimes misread a child’s basic temperament. They may think a child is not paying attention when instead he’s just sorting things out in his own mind.

To help your introverted child be successful in school:

• Talk with his teacher. Let her know that your child may need a few seconds longer to think before he speaks. Put this in a positive frame. Say, “Josh might not be the first one to speak up, but he tells me he usually knows the answer.”
• Encourage him to form friendships. Introverts make great friends, but they often prefer being with one or two people, not a whole crowd.
• Give him some “alone” time. After a day at school, your introvert may need time to be by himself.
• Help him recognize his strengths. Introverts are great problem solvers. They’re creative. They are strong learners.

Reprinted with permission from the April 2007 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2007 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Elizabeth Larson, “Raising an introvert in an extrovert world,” Child Magazine, May 2005 (1-800-727-3682, www.child.com).