The Extroverted Parent and the Introvert Child

An extroverted parent often mistakes an introverted child’s temperament for shyness or low confidence.

A two-minute read, three things to try, for ages 5 to 13.

Where to start

Don’t treat your child’s introversion as a problem.
Tell your child: “You’re someone who needs quiet to recharge.”
Read Susan Cain’s *Quiet* if you want to think this through.

The rest of the tip, and why it works, is in the library.

Underlying framework

Susan Cain on the introvert-extrovert spectrum and parenting, in Quiet

It goes with

When the Best Friend Moves On. For parents whose child’s best friend has drifted away, with no falling-out to explain it.
When Your Child Is Working Out Who They Are. For parents whose child has raised a question about who they are, and who weren’t prepared for it.

The first chapter you open here is free to read in full.

Free on this subject

Family stress. What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
Child development. What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.

The rest of the library

The Parent Book is a library written by therapists: chapters on the situations parents bring to our therapy rooms most often, quick tips for tonight, things to do together, and every sheet to print. One subscription opens all of it, from the day you join.

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If you need help right now

Published by Kensington Square Therapy. Company No. 16707111. Written by therapists registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This page is not therapy, and not a substitute for professional support. The full library is at theparentbook.com.