I have to admit, I didn't really imagine there being many positive sides to being an introverted parent. I mean, my daughter has had far fewer playdates than most of her contemporaries because I just can’t bring myself to reach out to other moms to arrange those kinds of things. I know I don’t make myself available (or look available) for other moms to reach out and do the same, either. However, I've realized that there are numerous ways being an introvert makes you a better mom, despite the lack of playdates or whatever else I feel I'm failing to do when self-doubt does what it does best.
Being the type of person I am, I usually only see the reason why I might be a less than stellar parent because I'm an introvert. I kept thinking of all the ways I might be letting my son and daughter down and while it's pretty normal for any mother to doubt or question her capabilities from time-to-time, but being introverted gives you infinitely more time to get in your own head and mess up your confidence.
Thankfully, one of my good friends is an extrovert and, when I asked her to help me brainstorm the positive side of being an introverted parent, she was all too happy to help. “Oh yes! I just need to think of all my faults!” she answered, laughing. She is definitely an optimistic person, but one who can also call a spade a spade. What I assumed would be a short texting session quickly turned into an hour long gab fest, because she is the sort who excels at drawing people out, and at communicating what on her mind. You know, typical extrovert.
Thank goodness for amazing friends, right? Turns out, there are lots of positives to being an introverted mom, including the following: