As I’ve said previously, I am an introvert. I am also a mom. I am a part of the mom introverts clan! That can bring all sorts of struggles within motherhood when you are almost constantly surrounded by people who need something from you. With that being said, we can’t forget about the benefits of being an introverted mother.
I mean it’s so easy to look at extroverted mothers and wish for what they have. To get discouraged by seeing how easy things seem to come for them. They are involved in their community, running all over town with their kids, having friends over, and leading things. They must have it all! But, we all have our own struggles. Our own weaknesses and strengths. And as moms, we should be lifting each other up.
So here are SOME of the awesome qualities that introvert moms bring to the table;
1. Introverts are Great Listeners
Introverts are great listeners. We like to listen to people, really take in what they are saying, and kind of digest it. Introverts think things through a lot. Our brains are constantly running and rehashing conversations. Like that time weeks ago when I said something awkward. It still eats at me. Fo absolutely no reason.
This carries over perfectly into motherhood. Our kids want to be heard. They want to communicate and learn and grow. When we take the time to listen to them, truly listen, they feel loved, treasured, and safe. Yay us!
2. Introverts have a Calming Presence
As quiet listeners, introverts often have a calming presence. We don’t really like small talk, but we love deep, meaningful conversations. That means we are willing to take the time to let emotions and situations flow over us. We want to sit on it and think before acting, so we are often calm calculators. Kids notice that. They will benefit and learn from parents that can be calm in a storm, or take the time to absorb things before reacting.
Kids look up to us and want to immolate us. Being a calming presence allows them to learn to be one as well.
Also, meltdowns. Meltdowns benefit from a parent with a calm presence.
3. Introverts are Observant
Oh here’s a good one! Introverts love to sit back and observe. WE like to take things in, study people, and hash out why things tick the way the do. This comes in SUPER handy with kids. They are always trying to tell us something. We just need to try to figure out what they are trying to say.
Watch your kids. Observe their actions. You’re going to notice patterns and cause and effect. When you start noticing these connections, you’re going to know how to help your child through problems and meltdowns, as well as understanding the cause behind their behavior.
I think that might be a super power. I mean I still am often at a loss for why my kid is doing XYZ, but as someone who loves to just watch and study people (is that considered creepy?), it definitely helps me with my parenting. And knowing the root behind my kids’ behavior also helps me empathize with it and teach them.
4. Introverts are Often Creative
I’m a crafty person. It doesn’t always pan out, but I love creating things in multiple ways. Paper, paint, wood, computers, music, anything. I love creating. I sit and think about creating things all the time. I dream up crafts, or I daydream while lazily drawing circles with a crayon. It’s kind of like a therapy for me. A calm down method, or meditation.
Being creative as a parent has SO many uses. First of all, you can pass it on to your kids. Teach them your craft. Color with them, paint, knit, dance, sing, do it all! They love it! They all want to play with Mommy and Daddy, so why not do something you love too while you’re already playing!
Creativity can also be used in problem solving, and dealing with routines that are anything but routine. Can’t find the other toddler shoe? Fine, declare it mismatch shoe day and wear two different shoes. Or make a game of it and go on a hunt for the missing shoe. Creativity can make the ordinary exciting, and can find the silver lining in the clouds. Use that creative mind to once again, teach your child(ren) important coping skills and character traits.
5. Introverts Value Connection
Introverts are all about connection. We don’t want superficial relationships. We want true, deep, lasting relationships. This often makes us loyal to a fault. BUT, that’s okay. We choose our relationships wisely because we know this about ourselves. We can’t waste valuable time and energy on people that we don’t connect with. That means we can role model meaningful relationships to our children and how to treat others with kindness and respect. It also means that we will build meaningful, trustworthy relationships with our own children. Another safety net that they need to feel free to explore who they are, as well as the world around them.
So there you have it. A few of the strengths that introverted personalities bring to the table. That doesn’t mean that extroverts fail in these areas, they are just areas that introverted brains can really gravitate toward.
Next time you find yourself discouraged by the extrovert or pinterest perfect mom online, make sure you stop and think about YOUR own strengths. As well as give her Grace. We all have our own struggles, even if other’s can’t see them. The grass is always greener on the other side. So find some extroverted friends and you can build each other up!
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