Fonseca notes a defi ning difference in physiology. “Introverts use part of the nervous system that has a long pathway from point A to point B, so it takes them longer to process information.” Cain adds, “Introverts also usually have a longer runway than others, so it takes them longer to take off and fl y. It’s crucial that the message they’re receiving from parents and teachers is, ‘That’s okay.’” It’s important that parents balance how they honor a child’s preferences with teaching them skills to thrive. “Don’t expect them to follow the gang,” says Cain. “Instead, encourage them to follow their passions.” Parents can empower children with tools to increase their comfort zone. If youngsters have diffi culty speaking up in class, it helps to prepare them with what they want to say beforehand. Cain notes that this lessens anxiety and when they are able to speak up, they’ll feel like part of the class.
Simple tips can offer relief in uncomfortable social situations.
Perillo reinforces social manners before she and A’ngel arrive at an event. She focuses on the greetings, reminding her to extend her hand fi rst, speak clearly, make eye contact and smile. Also, because self-promotion doesn’t come naturally to introverts, they often need coaching to highlight their own assets when applying for a club, college or job. Fonseca encourages families to embrace digital technology. She observes, “Most introverts are extroverts online. While face-to-face communication tends to drain them, that doesn’t happen as much online, plus it’s easier to feel more adept socially there.” They’ll still need to
disconnect and renew after socializing online, so it’s important to set usage boundaries. Fonseca, who has one introverted and one extroverted child, facilitates dialogue that teaches each of them to communicate with their peers about their needs. “My introvert tells her extrovert friends not to take offense if she needs to take quiet time alone. They offer each other a perspective that makes their own point of view more well-rounded.” From a neuropsychological perspective, introverts and
extroverts can learn from each other, as well. According to Fonseca, extroverts that habitually activate their sympathetic nervous system (“fi ght-or-fl ight”) can experience burnout if they don’t learn how to slow down and be calm. However, introverts, relying mostly on their parasympathetic system (“rest and digest”), can be overly calm and slow to respond to situations. Fonseca notes, “It’s not about one temperament being more
positive than the other; it’s about understanding who everyone is, their authentic self and fi nding balance.” Meredith Montgomery is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin, AL (
HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).
Your Home For Integrative Medicine
The Franz Center is a pediatric practice seeing children from birth to 21 yrs of age. Founded by Dr. Franz in 1997, we combine the best of integrative and traditional medicine for children.
S. Cornelia Franz, MD, DNBHE Author of
Common Sense Pediatrics For more information visit
www.franzcenter.com •
www.drcorneliafranz.com www.commonsensepediatrics.org
3160 Southgate Commerce Blvd. • #64 • Orlando, FL 32806 407-857-8860 • Fax: 407-857-7099
The Franz Center
February 2014
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