Guess what – your kids *do* get some sneaky benefits when they’ve got an introvert for a mom!
So let’s ditch the “too bad they aren’t having the best childhood they could be if I was different” game and start playing to your strengths.
First and foremost being, that you’re setting the example that it’s okay to power down, not through.
(Yeah, yeah, I know there are still nights you’ll need to rush the laundry through and stay up finishing lunches or clearing the kitchen or something. But those are few and far between. That’s not how you live most of the time.)
This is actually a really novel concept to your kids. Most parents are going to be all about “work, work, work” and “chores first” and “have you finished everything yet?”
But *you’re* running around saying, “do you have time to finish that before quiet time?” “Is your math brain ready for a break?” and “What are you going to choose for naptime today?” like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
Because it is! If you take breaks, shouldn’t they?
It’s okay to power down, not power through.
(Look at it this way: you’re inoculating them from a lifetime of overwhelm and workaholism! They’ll be so used to taking an afternoon hobby break that they’ll automatically *add* rest periods into their young adult life! Now how’s *that* for retraining your kids?!)
This is really a valuable skill to have. Our culture doesn’t teach – doesn’t respect – doesn’t value this idea of “work till you’re tired, hit the refresh button, then go back to work again.”
It thinks you can just power through.
But you know better – and you’re *doing* better. Living better.
Which means your kids will automatically follow.
Where can you reframe your introvert energy level to a positive thing *for your kids*, particularly in your day-to-day life?
Try it and see what happens. It’s amazingly freeing to your parenting.
