Why do most parents feel that their introverted child is somewhat abnormal?

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   gmwilliamsposted 12 years ago

   Why do most parents feel that their introverted child is somewhat abnormal?

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   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   Being introverted (not just shy) is a classic symptom that something is different. It is not considered "normal" for a child to feel energized by being alone or to feel drained from dealing with other people. My son has been introverted since he was very little. Thanks to that we figured out two things. He has a form of Aspergers and an IQ higher than most adults. Neither of those things are considered  "normal". I also fall into the introvert group. I physically feel exhausted after having to deal with people. I find much more joy in my home than anywhere else. I have been like that all my life. As a child I was also diagnosed with similar issues as my son's. Being an introvert is not bad and it does not always imply something is wrong, however it can be a symptom. As a parent it is our jobs to look for things that could interfere with normal developmental milestones. Being comfortable talking and being around people is a life skill.

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      Prayzesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for sharing that. Your response for parents is very well put. As parents we want to be aware of as much as possible with our child's personality and that he might have been exposed to. Parents can learn from or instruct him by experiences.

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      peeplesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Prayzes. Whoever voted down must not have ever gone through having a child who physically couldn't handle being in public! It is not to be ignored!

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   Starmom41posted 12 years ago

   I think people have various different definitions of what "introverted" means. 
   As for myself & my son, we're not shy, don't feel drained after being around groups;  it's just that many of our preferred activities are solitary activities, and people/activity isn't a huge need.  In contrast, my daughter has always been very social and outgoing.

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      gmwilliamsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Nothing is wrong with being an introvert.    It is shame that extroversion is overglorified in this society.   Introverts are demonized into believing that something is inherent wrong with their personalities and that they SHOULD change!

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   Sophia Angeliqueposted 12 years ago

   It depends which country you're living in. In America, yes. In the East, Introversion is regarded highly. Certainly, in South Africa, I grew up knowing that 'Empty barrels make the most noise.'

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      gmwilliamsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I totally concur with you!   In American society, if one is an introvert, people deem you either retarded, slow, and/or in need of therapy.   Thankfully in Asian societies, introversion is highly value.   Yes, empty barrels DO make the most noise!

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   shruti sheshadriposted 12 years ago

   Well in India, we are expected to be an extrovert. An extrovert is preferred over an introvert even if the performance and skills of the introvert are much better. They go by a dogma that implies the more you socialize , the better you learn and learn to do things faster. In a way, i do agree, but no, it is not the only solution. Introverts have their own power that the extroverts lack. Sadly, the society doesn't recognize them!

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   Garifaliaposted 12 years ago

   Maybe because people are a sociable species and if the child does not socialize it can affect its adult life in many aspects. What do you think?

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      Starmom41posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      it's important to be able to get along with other people, but there's a big diff between that & what many consider to be "having a social life." some in latter category simply go thru the motions because they're not comfortable with their own com

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      Garifaliaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If you mean that when people have their social circle but are not interested in making it bigger, yes I think it is normal. But if it hinders their ability to lead a normal life  then it's a problem. I agree with your above comment.

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      Starmom41posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      HP cut off end of my previous comment. I meant people who aren't comfortable with themselves often put themselves in a social whirl for that reason.

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