Bring up the introvert child

Introversion is a common behavioral trait characterized on the far end of the spectrum by:

• Constant preoccupation with one’s own thoughts and feelings.
• An aversion towards meeting new people, going to unfamiliar places, or doing new things.

Introverted kids are perceived as hesitant or shy. If your baby is an introvert, this does not mean that your child is unsociable or abnormal. Almost all introverts, like extroverts, grow up to be successful adults—even geniuses.

Like with many traits, your child probably lies in the middle of the introvert/extrovert spectrum. However, if you feel your child is extremely introverted, here are some things to know.

Symptoms

Highly introverted babies may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:

• Avoidance – Introverts may tend to move away from people, lights, noise, etc. Extroverts, on the other hand, enjoy being with people. Introverts are often perceived to be shy or afraid, when they are actually only hesitant of doing new things or meeting new people.
• Territoriality – Introverts generally do not like people intruding into what they consider their space, which includes their bodies, toys, or their beds.
• Lack of interaction – Many babies like to spend most of their time alone, and spend limited time in playing or interacting with other children and strangers.
• Intense staring – Some introvert babies tend to stare intensely at unfamiliar personalities.

Treatment

Introversion is not a disorder, and hence there is no “treatment” for it. However, there are certain things you can do to make introvert children more comfortable with their surroundings.

• Don’t mend when nothing’s broken: Trying to alter your child’s behavior needlessly may affect the normal developmental process. Do not force any activities on your baby.
• Avoid sensory overload: Your baby enjoys peace and tranquility and likes doing one thing at a time. Bright lights, commotion, noise, etc. may be exhaustive for an introvert, and should be avoided.
• Respect their space: Introverts like to meet new people and face situations on their own terms. Encourage people handling your baby, such as your babysitter or your friends, to respect your child’s space.