PARENT STUFF Understanding ›Introverts‹ ›We often parent our children from an extroverted per- spective, wanting them to have many friends and expecting a level of communication and connection that leaves the introverted child frustrated and confused. Psychologist Christine Fonseca, author of Quiet Kids, shares tips for parents to understand the world of the introvert and to bring out the introverted child’s strongest gifts. » Build a Foundation in Routines: Introverts » Understand Your Temperament and That of Your Children: Do you crave “in-person” social » Focus on Connections: Introverts thrive on the love a predictable world. They like to know what to expect and when. Try to create routines around bedtime and homework, but don’t be afraid to teach spontaneity as well. As long as the foundation is secure and routines are plentiful, introverted children can be taught to roll with life’s changes as easily as their extroverted counterparts. development of deep personal bonds with others. This is particularly true at home. Take time to connect with your child. Plan special outings or schedule opportunities to spend time together journaling, scrapbooking, or indulging in other quiet activities. Complex and deep, introverted children need space and solitude to renew and grow. These children have a unique and often misunderstood voice in the world. Deep thinkers, creative souls, innovative thinkers— these words describe most introverts as they become adults. It’s time we understand their gifts and provide an environment, a home, where they can thrive. » Watch Out for Overscheduling Your Children: While many extroverted children thrive with activity, introverts can easily become overwhelmed, resulting in emotional tantrums and exhaustion. Be wary of taking on too many activities with your introverted children. Schedule breaks and encourage downtime for everyone. connections when you need to renew, or do you prefer solitude? Do you seek new adventures and new information, or do you prefer to learn something in depth? The answers to these questions can help you understand what you and your children need in order to renew and balance your emotional selves. » Serenity Starts at Home: Give your introverted children plenty of space to call their own, and encourage them to decorate the space and make it uniquely theirs. If possible, let them have their own room. If that can’t be accomplished, build time into the family structure when they can be alone in their room. Introverts thrive when they have their own space in which to emotionally renew. Christine Fonseca is a nonfiction and YA author; her titles include Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students, 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids, The Girl Guide, and the soon to be released Quiet Kids. She is also the author of several young adult novels. She is also a behavioral health specialist in Temecula School District and a speaker and workshop presenter on topics including behavioral health, emotional intensity, resiliency, and giftedness.Christine lives in San Diego with her husband and two ’tween girls. She blogs at christinefonseca.blogspot.com iStockphoto/Bojan Kontrec 8 Christian Home & School | www.csionline.org