Do you have a child who hangs back at birthday parties? Who dreads being called on in class? Who hugs the sidelines, and who surprises you by seeming withdrawn or aloof in public but turns into a chatterbox at home? The plight of the introverted child is to be often misunderstood. Parents, siblings, classmates, teacher, and most devastatingly the child himself feel that there's something wrong with him.
My dear son is an introvert, a term often labeled as (at least locally) as 'shy', 'unfriendly', or worst as 'anti-social' or 'uncooperative'. He was doing just fine, with pre-school and all until he joins the official primary school. I just came back from a closed-door PTA meeting with his class teacher last Saturday. My hubby and I were pretty excited, expecting nothing but praises from his teacher. But we were surprised and to be honest, we ended up being so concern. His academic is fine, but the his Teacher apparently is not happy with his 'shyness'.
There's nothing wrong with being introvert, after all we are all different in our special way. But how can I help him to be happy being himself when the world seems to equate success with extraversion? When the teacher and everyone else label him as uncooperative, aloof and shy?
I was baffled, since I am an extrovert, I'd be the last person to understand him. Went to Borders, to search for the book called "The Hidden Gift of The Introverted Child" and "The Highly Sensitive Child". Unfortunately they are not available. After hours of searching and scheming the shelves on 'Parenting' and 'Psychology' section, I stumbled upon " The Introvert Advantage". I hope this book will help guide me how can I help my son and make him feel happy about being himself, and not having to fit into society's mold of expectations.
2 comments:
it sounds like a good book. I became quite introvert as I entered secondary school. Up till now, in medical school I still have comments of being 'a quiet student' from my extroverted supervisors. My less outspoken supervisor however don't see that as a disadvantage. Instead, I was told that I often compensate by being the one who sits back and observe. Being analytical.. something along that line. I suppose the trick is to work around myself and use what I've got to my advantage. Be a walking medical textbook or something. Haha.. going to need a lot of effort to achieve that.
Hmm.. I hope that makes sense. :)
Do you have copy writer for so good articles? If so please give me contacts, because this really rocks! :)
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