A book recommendation if you have a child who is an introvert

It can be hard for us if our child takes some time to warm up when we arrive somewhere new, our child hides behind our legs, or stands next to us while everyone else seems to be playing at a child’s birthday party. You are not alone. Susan Cain’s book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking” can give us an alternative perspective to this behaviour.

Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking

This book had been on my radar since I heard a radio interview with Susan Cain about a year ago. And after receiving a copy at Christmas I’ve been picking it up here and there when time allowed.

The book opens with an analysis of why you are expected to be extroverted in today’s society. There is such a strong bias in this direction. Characteristics such as assertiveness, charisma, gregariousness and social dominance almost reflect a superior type of person.

Maybe it’s not you that has introverted tendencies, but your child. People want your child to be confident and chatty. And if they are not, they receive the label “shy”.

So it was such a revelation to read this book and think “a-ha, it’s because I’m (or my child is) an introvert!”.

I recognise myself a lot in this book. How I need quite a lot of alone time to decompress from busy social events, why at social events I’d rather just chat to one or two people than “circulate”, and why I love working with parents and children and also enjoy the quiet time in between classes to get ready for the next group.

The book looks at the biology behind introversion and extroversion, and how your environment affects who we become.

And I like the chapter on introverted kids and how schools should start to recognise that group participation and open-plan classrooms don’t work for every kid.

I talked about the book with my kids. And last weekend when I asked my 12-year old daughter if she wanted to do something together, she replied, “No thanks mum. I think I’ll have some introverted time to myself”. So cool that she is becoming so self aware at her age.

I must admit that I didn’t find it the easiest book to read and introversion/extroversion is just one personality trait that makes up who we are. But I would definitely suggest starting with her TED talk and plunge deeper into the book when time allows.

Guest blog post: a tour of a toddler classroom in Amsterdam (as seen over at Trillium Montessori)

Recognise this classroom? Yes, it’s Jacaranda Tree Montessori!

We are featured in a guest blog post over at Trillium Montessori with a tour of our classroom. Check it out here: http://trilliummontessori.org/montessori-toddler-classroom-amsterdam/

News from the Classroom: some crafting fun for Halloween

A great idea from one of the mums! We had a great time making bats in class this week getting ready for Halloween.