With all the talk these days on introverts and extroverts I began to suspect that I, myself, might be an introvert. After digging around on line a bit, my suspicions were confirmed.
Signs That You May be an Introvert
Introverts are stereotypically shy and awkward. This is not necessarily the case. Introvertedness is more of a temperament, kind of like a personality style that just varies from person to person. The fact that introverts prefer quiet does not necessarily mean that they are shy. I personally really like meeting and getting to know people – just in small doses.
Might you be an introvert? Here are some common traits:
1. Introverts are easily overstimulated and prefer quiet, relatively unstimulating environments.
2. Introverts need time alone to recharge their batteries.
3. Introverts find small talk tedious, preferring deep, philosophical conversations.
4. Introverts don’t like to be surrounded and will often sit at the end of a room so that they can easily get up and move.
5. Introverts shut down after being active for too long.
One can easily see after reading this list that an introverted homeschool mom is going to be particularly challenged by her occupation! Introverts are easily exhausted from too much stimulation, whether it be from being out and about too much or from being home with all. of. those. kids. So what is a loving introverted mom of many to do?
Helps for the Introverted Mom of Many
1. Implement a daily Mom’s Morning Routine. Carving out quiet time in a busy household requires some creativity and planning. Try setting your alarm for 1 hour before anyone else in the house wakes up. Although this may take some getting used to, this daily time of quiet helps me to get my batteries fully charged before the busyness of the day. With this time for morning devotions, prayer (and coffee) my tank is filled.
2. Implement a daily Quiet Time routine. In our home, every afternoon has a designated time of quiet where all members of the household are required to engage in mellow (quiet) activities. When kids outgrow their nap times – kids have ‘quiet time’ instead. Our older kids read or study during this time while our younger kids are in their rooms either sleeping playing quietly. There are all kinds of ideas online for fun quiet time activities if you need some ideas to get you started.
3. Keep white space on your calendar. After one too many exhausting days out running from one activity to another, I made an effort this year to keep my calendar clear. Learn to say ‘no’ to requests to commit to activities that may over extend you. Find carpools or kid swap, occasionally offering to take another family’s kids and vice versa) so that you can spend less time running around.
4. Engage your kids in conversations. You may be surprised at the thoughtful responses you will get. Discuss ideas that you have been thinking about or spiritual lessons that you have been learning in your own life. I find this to be a big part of my call to teach them as I go (Deuteronomy 6).
5. Play quiet, soothing music during the day. My favorite – baroque adagios. This style of music has even been associated with brain growth in those who listen to it.
6. Date nights and grocery shopping. I have been surprisingly refreshed by simple things like going to the grocery store alone or a weekly date night with my husband.
Motherhood can be exhausting whether you are an introvert or not. Carving out time for quiet throughout your day can be just the thing to keep your batteries recharged.
How about you? How have you managed being surrounded by noise while being a person who thrives in quiet?
So needed to hear this. Yes!
I am not a morning person,however, because our daughter who is in 9th grade takes a science class at the local high school, I do get up before everyone else (besides her). While that is helpful to set my day, I have found that I cherish my night time alone time most. After everyone goes to bed, I stay up to watch a favorite show or read a little further in whatever book I am working on. It helps me power down 🙂 Also, my husband takes the kids as many evenings as I like so that I can devote 30 to 45 minutes exercising in the basement. None of the kids are allowed to come down to “check on” me. I love this time and his willingness to take the kids.
Sometimes having music playing in the background is too much for me even quiet soothing music.
I am definitely an introvert! This year I loved having 3 days a week where we don’t have to go anywhere. I also do weekly shopping without kids if possible. I find that most afternoons I am letting them watch TV, just so I can a break. Next year I thinking that will be reading hour or something…I do not like early mornings-I wake up slowly, I can see the benefit of that, but I wonder if I will reach my “done with the day” point earlier if I do?
As an introvert, I do exactly these things you listed. And that is encouraging, too. Thank you!
Hmmm… I didn’t know I was as much of an introvert until I read your list. I totally prefer deep meaningful conversations and love quiet time. I thought some of my problems were a lack of organization rather than personality, or perhaps it’s a sad mixture of the two. We do have quiet time in the afternoons with book reading, naps, or worksheets. Now that my 8 year old doesn’t want to take naps anymore, it is kind of hard for me. Thanks for your article!
I am currently struggling with being an introverted homeschool mom of four under 6, with two obviously extroverted children. The oldest two crave social events and experiences, but it feels overwhelming and sometimes almost torturous taking them to many things. I have homeschool mom friends who are constantly on the go taking their children to all kinds of places and gatherings and I often feel guilty that I am causing my children to miss out. I am having a difficult time striking a good balance. 😒