Introverted Parents Homeschool Success: 8 Ways to Make Most of It5 min read

Are you an introverted parent to an extroverted kid? Chances are you aren’t a stranger to the challenges of juggling between your enthusiastic kid’s need to interact with new people and your need to stay at home! But you’re not alone. Many introverted parents homeschool their kids successfully, and you can too!

Well, don’t you worry! We’ve got a few practical ways that could help your introverted self go about homeschooling your extroverted kid

How Can Introverted Parents Homeschool Extroverted Kids?

We get it. Your kid is a social butterfly who thrives in social environments. But you find such situations physically and mentally exhausting and would rather avoid them altogether. How do you find the right balance to keep both of you satisfied?

Here are 8 practical ways that could help you navigate homeschooling an extroverted child as an introverted parent:

Play Dates and Field Trips

Playdates and field trips can be literal lifesavers to help introverted parents homeschool kids. If you’re a part of a homeschooling group, try to get involved in as many activities and trips as you can. Your child will get the chance to be out with people and have social interactions. And you get to sit back and relax!

You don’t have to feel the pressure of making plans or creating a specific environment. All you need to do is show up!

Extracurricular Activities

Sign your kids up for some extracurricular activities and classes! Not only will your kids have the opportunity to pick up new skills, But moving out of the house will also prove super beneficial for them. This way, you’ll get a few hours to yourself to do what you would like to.

In saying this we’re not insisting that you sign your child up to every class out there! You don’t want them not to have any time to breathe or rest! Instead, be attentive to your child’s likes and interests. If you find that they adore something in particular – music, art, science, and so on – you could always get them to join a class or two!

Remember: homeschooling does not mean that every part of the learning process must come from you!

One-on-one conversations

If you’re someone who loves to listen to people talk, you’re in good company. Introverts usually like to sit back and listen. And extroverts wouldn’t mind taking to the stage if given the chance.

Giving your extroverted little ones some one-on-one time is a fantastic conversational outlet for them (and you). While they talk about what they love, their observations, interests, and ideas, all you need to do is listen! This also gives a great opportunity for you to make memories with your kid and bond with them.

Community

Community is so important to us human beings. We find it easier to navigate different areas in our lives when we have people around us to help.

So, don’t hesitate to bring others in. Invite the grandparents over for a day in with the kids. Hire a babysitter once a week. While your kids are safe in the care of trusted people, use this time to journal, watch a movie, have a date, or just chill!

This will not only give you the space you may be craving but also some much-needed social interaction for your kid.

Let them lead

Extroverts usually like to take charge and lead. Give your child some responsibilities around the house.

This could include teaching their younger siblings, reading to them, or if they’re old enough, delegating a task to the other family members. Your child will love to be a little leader in his own home!

Quiet time and quiet space

Homeschooling demands a lot of time, energy, and above all, patience! This is why quiet time and space are so important!

Every introvert understands the importance of quiet time. Set some time aside for yourself. Have your kids know that this is your time to relax, rest, and recharge. Similarly, make a quiet space in your home that is clutter-free and has no visual noise–this can go a long way in helping you feel peaceful.

It may take some time and a little effort to get your kids to fully grasp these ideas, but it will help you in the long run.

It’s okay to push yourself sometimes

It can be difficult and exhausting to constantly be surrounded by people when you’re an introvert. But sometimes, it’s okay to push yourself a little! Do it for your little one! If your kid is benefitting from exposure and healthy interaction that he desperately needs, going out of your comfort zone once in a while shouldn’t hurt, right?

We’re not implying that you have to force yourself to be someone you’re not. Neither do you have to feel burdened to always involve the whole family in social activities. But once in a while, if you feel like your child could benefit from a certain social situation like a playdate with a friend, you could go the extra mile.

DO NOT compare!

Homeschooling can get messy. It can get downright erratic sometimes! It may seem like other parents have it together while you’re the only one struggling. No matter how convincing that might be, it is simply not true!

Every family faces its own unique challenges. You need to keep in mind that your family is not going to look exactly like the one next door. And that’s completely okay.

Trust that you are working for the well-being of your child by doing the best you can. Trust that you will be okay. Nobody knows your kids and their needs better than you do.

Just Remember to…

… hang in there and not lose hope!

While there may always be days when you question everything and whether or not you’re doing things right, just be patient with your kid and yourself. Remind yourself of some of the best homeschool days you have had. And just keep going!