Knowing whether or not your child is an introvert or extrovert can be very helpful in knowing how to best relate to them. Parenting extroverted children is a wild ride at times, but it can also be fun!

There is a misconception about what an introvert or an extrovert is. Many people view introverts as quiet or shy, and extroverts as outgoing and loud, but the true definition is how people get their energy.

Extrovert children are high-energy and profoundly social. They can be draining, especially if you are an introverted parent. 

Do you know if your child is an introvert or extrovert? Check out this quiz to help you get an idea. It is based on is your child an introvert – but if they are scoring low then they are an extrovert.

TRAITS OF AN EXTROVERTED CHILD:

• They enjoy social settings.
• Because they like to try new things they can be risk takers. 
• Can easily adapt to new people and new situations. 
• Are good at verbal communication.
• Can be spontaneous and will change their minds often. 
• Are good at working with others to find solutions to problems. 
• Outgoing and high energy, spontaneous and often carefree.
• Can exhibit high levels of confidence.

HOW CAN WE PARENT AN EXTROVERT?

• Provide lots of opportunities for socializing and being around other children. 
• Combine exercise with fun – think playgrounds!! 
• Teach social skills like turn taking and sharing (for older children)
• Teach the consequences of over-stimulation and aggression
• Respect their spontaneity 
• Listen to their thoughts and ideas – give time to brainstorm with them
• Don’t shame them for who they are

WHAT IF YOU ARE AN INTROVERT AND YOUR CHILD IS AN EXTROVERT?

This can be a challenge as you are opposite in how you recharge. Especially when your child is younger, it can be draining as they want to be on the go, here, there, and everywhere and you just want some quiet time. There is going to have to be some give and take. You are going to have to look after you as well. Constantly giving of yourself without recharging is not going to do anyone any good. As your child gets older and they understand their personality more, then you will be able to socialize in ways that suit you both.

Teach your little extrovert to understand—and respect—others’ need for alone time. Have them do something for just five minutes, and for those five minutes, they cannot interact with you. Help them to build their self-reliance muscle because even though we live in an extroverted world, there will always be times when we have to work alone.

Here are some more tips.

FAMOUS EXTROVERTS

It can be good to provide examples of extroverts to your child (whether positive or negative examples). It can help them to see or hear of others who think or behave like them.

Marie Antoinette
Steve Jobs
Muhammed Ali
Winston Churchill
Bill Clinton
George W. Bush
Oprah
Robin Williams

Extroverted children are fun….though they can be draining if they are wanting to be on the go and socializing all the time. We have both in our house – an introvert and an extrovert and trying to balance it at times can be hard. But we have both an introvert and an extrovert parent, so we can divide and conquer as needs be. Parenting extroverted children is a good but tiring endeavor. All the best to you!