Empowering Your Introverted Kids
Steve Friedman, author of In Search of Courage is guest blogging! As a parent of three fabulously diverse kids, my wife and I believe our job as parents is to love, support, teach, and prepare. it is not to change those we love into our vision of a better self, regardless of societal norms or our own experiences or perceptions. It starts with three simple steps.
1. Understand Introversion: Thankfully, common definitions like anti-social, loner, and not-normal have been replaced by one who gets energy from within or prefers alone time. However, I prefer to dispose of such cold and nebulous definitions and instead highlight common introverted strengths: listener, observant, creative, learner, loyal, empathetic, caring, team player, introspective, considerate, structured, planner, thoughtful, and comfortable with one's self. What great attributes to cultivate and be proud of!
2. Understand Ourselves: It's really not about defining yourself as an introvert, extrovert, ambivert, or other. We all actively float along the continuum based on time, place, and temperament. It's about understanding our own approach, our dreams for our kids, and preparing to let go enough for our kids to determine their own path, with you as a coach.
3. Understand Your Child: Observe their strengths and how they opt to use them. They must feel empowered to chart their own course.
Encouragement and Empowerment
As kids grow up, we need to continue to observe, listen, and support by:
Asking about and encourage their hobbies (books, art, sports...).
Providing space and alone time. Alone time is not loneliness, it's an incubator for creativity, thought, and confidence.
Expanding their mind with other ways to leverage their strengths through new hobbies, classes, and eventually colleges and professions.
Giving them options to express their individual free will.
Allotting them time...to consider change and make decisions at a thoughtful pace.
Challenging societal norms that only the loudest wins.
Instilling pride and confidence in who they are and what they do.
Your kid's natural drive and passion to leverage their superpowers will drive them to push their boundaries to grow, build relationships, and accomplish the goals we all have for our kids, but more importantly, the goals they will develop for themselves
And the beauty of this week's topic is that these lessons don't just apply to our kids, but to the introvert inside all of us! Parents can take a free Personalized Superpowers Quiz to discover your own strengths and how to grow them at work and home.
Steve Friedman struggled for decades as an introvert in an extrovert’s world. Dealing with personal and corporate challenges led to many unhealthy coping skills. Finally, late in his career he began to learn about introversion while writing his memoir, In Search of Courage: An Introvert’s Story, and subsequently his weekly blog Beyond Introversion.
Steve met his love, Jennifer, in Houston. Together, they have raised three amazing children, Gwendolyn, Madolyn, and Noah. They have all traveled the world and enjoy time hanging around the house.
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