We live in a world that celebrates the bold and out-going; the ones who are out-spoken, confident, and love stepping outside the box on their own. It’s what parents like seeing in their child.

However, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, a child doesn’t want to be the first one to raise their hand in class, or prefers staying in their room and not playing with their friends. Sometimes, a child is introverted by nature – and that’s not a bad thing.

Sure, every parent wants their child to be confident and happy, but achieving that at the expense of their mental health can be damaging; after all, nobody wants to be forced into a situation they don’t want to be in.

Perhaps the best way to deal with introverted children is to raise them the right way. And here’s how:

Accept Them As They Are

Something that society likes to harp about is how unfavourable being an introvert is; such kind of thinking forces introverted children to become more resigned and detached from others, and ultimately feeling bad about themselves.

As a parent, you should accept them as they are. Everyone is born different, and it just so happens that your little one prefers keeping to themselves more. Instead of treating is a character flaw, treat it as a character trait – something that they are born with. Once you accept them as they are, children won’t develop self-esteem issues.

Respect Your Child’s Boundaries

Many factors come attached to the concept of introversion; introverted people tend to prefer solitude, and focused on their own internal feelings and thoughts. So, they don’t enjoy it when their “bubble” is burst unwillingly.

So, respect their boundaries. For example, if they like talking to only one friend at daycare, and not a bunch, then you don’t have to worry that they’re not socialising enough. Similarly, if they want to spend some me-time drawing or colouring, and not forcefully going to some busy park, then you have to respect their choice. Such instances of them enjoying their own company themselves is necessary for them to leave their childhood with a healthy mindset.

Suggest, Don’t Force

Even if you have an introverted child, you shouldn’t let that hold them back from having a bit of fun and trying new things. Too much time spent alone can develop into lifelong problems of low self-esteem, depression or anxiety.

Of course, your child might not be too eager to step out of their shell, but that doesn’t mean you can’t suggest it.

When we say “suggest”, we mean gently; don’t force them into a situation they most definitely don’t want to be in. That only drives them farther away, and makes them even more introverted than normal. Instead, start from baby-steps; first, role-play basic conversation-starters with them, so that they become comfortable with simple interaction. Then, take them to some public place like a park for a short while, so that they can enjoy themselves. Be prepared to fall back as soon as your child seems visibly distressed; there’s always another day to try something new.


Perhaps the best way to help toddlers deal with their introversion is by enrolling them to daycare. Nurseries in JLT cultivate an interactive environment, and Oakfield Early Learning Centre takes the cake; they have tons of fun group activities that allow children to talk and become friends, while the practitioners there make sure everyone is comfortable and happy.

Raising an introverted world can be tough, but it isn’t impossible. The feat becomes simpler one you treat introversion as a trait, and not a problem.