There is a lot of talk about extroversion and introversion as two personality traits, but do we really know what each concept is and what it is not? What are extroverted children like? And the introverts? What are its characteristics and strengths?
In this article we talk about all this and, in addition, we propose some key ideas to accompany and better understand this type of child.
Finally, we reflect on the right to be oneself and to be accepted in our totality, something essential in childhood in order to develop a strong and stable self-esteem .
So if you have a particularly introverted or extroverted child, stick around! Perhaps you feel identified with our words and you can pick up some ideas that will benefit the whole family.
Extroverted children: what are they like?
Extraversion is a personality trait characterized by a tendency to relate to others spontaneously and naturally, and to openly show our feelings.
Thus, extroverted children have the facility to open up to the other , to socialize, interact, express what they think and, ultimately, relate. In addition, they like all of this (contact with the other, social relationships…).
On the other hand, they are children who may be more restless than normal, constantly looking for that source of external stimulation.
They can also be easily distracted by the stimuli that surround them because they feel a great need to attend to everything and everything at the same time. They are also children who talk a lot, are curious, who feel comfortable in groups and in social activities, who like to stand out.
Other characteristics and strengths of extroverted children
Although obviously each child is a world, we are going to know some of the general characteristics of extroverted children (who do not have to “meet” all of them).
As you will see, some of them become strong points or strengths:
- They enjoy social contact and social relationships; They love being with people, talking, socializing…
- They usually have the facility to express what they think and/or feel.
- They like meeting new and different people.
- They are easy to take risks or new challenges, for example at school.
- Many of them show great creativity.
- They look for stimulation “outside”, that is, in the environment, people, activities, etc.
- They like to innovate and try new things.
- They are talkative.
How to accompany them and understand them?
The first key point when accompanying our children, whatever they may be, is unconditional acceptance.
To it must be added respect and empathy. Whatever your child is like, I’m sure they have many positive aspects that sometimes go unnoticed. Reinforce them!
Beyond that, and in the specific case of extroverted children, two key ideas that can help you understand and/or accompany them better are:
- Provide spaces for him to interact with other children.
- Encourage him to express his ideas verbally (since that is usually the best way to express them; out loud).
Introverted children: what are they like?
For its part, introversion is also a personality trait, which in this case is defined as a tendency to focus on one’s own feelings and thoughts, that is, on the inner world.
Introverted children, sometimes it is not that they have difficulties to interact with others, but that they simply prefer to be alone, they like tranquility, focus on “what is inside” and not so much on “what is outside”, etc.
However, sometimes they are children who find it difficult to express their emotions and thoughts. As an associated positive characteristic, they are children who are usually very introspective .
On the other hand, introverted children need their spaces of tranquility , and they tend to be overwhelmed by noise and spaces with many people (their source of stimulation is internal and therefore they seek that stimulation “inside” and not “outside”, in people , unlike what happens in extraverted children).
Other characteristics and strengths of introverted children
As in the case of extroverted children, introverted children can also show common characteristics, such as:
- Preference for having conversations about slightly deeper or transcendental topics.
- They do not easily express their emotions and/or thoughts.
- They keep their worries to themselves (they prefer to use their own strategies).
- They like to play alone.
- They don’t like to stand out or attract attention; They prefer to go unnoticed in groups.
- They prefer to share their opinions or thoughts in more intimate settings.
- They tend to avoid social contact with strangers .
- They may use strategies to isolate themselves in their inner world (for example, listening to music).
- They focus on deep topics.
How to accompany them and understand them?
And in the case of introverted children, how to accompany them and understand them? Three key ideas that can help you are:
- Allow him to socialize in his closest or most intimate environment.
- Respect his need to be alone when he needs it.
- Anticipate family gatherings or with many people.
The right to be yourself
Whatever your child is like, you have to keep in mind that we all have the right to be ourselves. In addition, the fact that your child can be himself, and feel accepted and respected, will help him strengthen his self-esteem and enjoy knowing himself better (self-concept).
Therefore, both your child is rather introverted, as if he is extroverted, he always acts from that unconditional acceptance.
Logically, there will be things that you might want to work on with him , aspects in which you can accompany him, in which he can improve… and that’s fine. Of course, always respecting its nature, its rhythms, its strong points and its difficulties.
“Your gaze will clear only when you can see into your heart. He who looks out, dreams; he who looks within, awakens”.
-Carl Jung-
Photos | Cover (pexels), Image 1 (pexels), Image 2 (pexels)
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