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, Carl 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 carl
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.
