Communication among family members can usually be improved if we truly make the effort to understand each other’s personality. One type of person that is often misunderstood is the introvert. The introvert is drained of energy by relating or talking to people, and needs time to be alone or quiet to recharge. Introverts also need their own space, and need uninterrupted work time and reflection time. Since introverts are outnumbered three to one in our society, they encounter a lot of pressure to be different; what they need is to be understood and accepted for their own style.
Something to remember is that introverts are often thought of as weak, but this is usually not true. They are
often very strong-willed and persistent individuals who take time to observe and figure things out before they jump in.
They are very sensitive, and when they express thoughts or feelings to you, this is not done lightly or casually. They are, in a sense, giving you a piece of themselves, and the gift should be accepted in that vein.
If you think about these aspects of the introvert personality, you will probably find that you and your child are a lot more alike than you thought. If you look you will see yourself in him, and this may help you to build a strong and close relationship, even if your communication styles are different.
Evelyn Petersen’s nationally syndicated parenting column is carried in over 200 newspapers twice each week. As a family/parenting consultant, early childhood educator, Head Start consultant, and host of a series of parent training audio and video tapes, Ms. Petersen employs an approach of providing hands-on, nuts and bolts advice to parents across the country.Evelyn Petersen’s nationally syndicated parenting column is carried in over 200 newspapers twice each week. As a family/parenting consultant, early childhood educator, Head Start consultant, and host of a series of parent training audio and video tapes, Ms. Petersen employs an approach of providing hands-on, nuts and bolts advice to parents across the country.
