Let Them Read!
As the IntrovertZCoach, my job is to help my introverted clients
develop a positive self image. You see, for many years people
didn't understand that introversion is a legitimate personality
style. The great psychiatrist, Karl Jung, who was an introvert
himself, was the first to give this fact positive validation.
That was a great day for introverts!
Introverts make up around 30% of the general population. Prior
to Karl Jung's discoveries, our personalities were defined by
the 70% majority who think we are shy, anti-social, even
neurotic and mentally ill.
Introverts aren't mentally ill. In fact, there's nothing wrong
with us at all. Let me explain where I think the confusion comes
from. When extroverted people become stressed they tend to
drink, smoke and can get violent. Obnoxious as this behavior is,
it is not considered mentally ill. When introverts become
stressed, they tend to withdraw and can get depressed.
Extroverts don't understand this behavior and label it mentally
ill.
I think as a parent you will be very interested if I tell you
there is one thing in particular that almost all my introverted
clients have complained about in the way they were raised. They
have all said about the same horrifying and tragic thing: "My
mother told me I read too much and took my books away."
Introverts love to read. It is our favorite thing in the whole
world. Years ago when I picked up my extroverted daughter from
school, she talked non stop all the way home. When I picked up
my boss's introverted daughter from school, she got in the back
seat and read a book.
Please take the time and effort to understand the qualities of
introversion. Help your child understand his or her special
needs and build a positive self image. Don't make your child go
out and play with the other kids if they don't want to. And
above all, let them read! One day, when they get into a
fantastic college, you'll be glad you did.