We have a bunch of school visits coming up, and I canât wait to get back to performing Rockinâ Yoga assemblies! My band and I have a blast at these showsâwe chat with the students as theyâre coming in (discussing important topics like favorite colors and the best breakfast food) and give as many high fives as we can at the end. The assemblies themselves, usually for a few hundred kids at a time, are super high-energy and packed with singing, dancing, yoga and mindfulness. The kids, the teachers and the parents all love it. Â
Then we pack up and load out, and I get in my car by myself and just SIT THERE.  Â
In silence.  Â
And breathe.  Â
It can take a while before I even start driving.  Â
Iâm an âextroverted introvertâ (Iâve decided đ). I LOVE performing, teaching, singing, and talking on big stagesâand when the event is over, boy do I need time to recharge. Get me to my couch! Â
We need to respect that many children are the same way, but they may not even know or understand it yet. (Itâs often, though, why that meltdown happens during the loud birthday party or in the crowded mall...and can be the real story behind the child whoâs labeled âshy.â PLEASE donât do this.)Â
We teachers and parents have such an important role here: helping children understand, first and foremost, that thereâs NOTHING wrong with them, theyâre perfect just as they are (introverts are often deep thinkers, highly creative, empathetic, the list of positives goes on). Then, we have to help them figure out what they need to take care of their precious selves.  Â
Thereâs a lot written on this topic; and many helpful articles like this one, but here are some key points for you: Respect an introverted childâs need for alone time. Donât push them to be with others, or to talk when theyâre not ready (but when they do open up, zip it and listen). Talk through social situations beforehand, and help children practice what to say when they need something or when itâs time to go.  Â
Help them take breathersâduring a long family gathering, for example, make plans ahead of time for a break, so they know theyâve got one coming. And then, maybe give them headphones and put on a dreamy song, like How to be a Cloud. Let them float off into their own world, until theyâre ready to join this one again. đÂ
Cheers, Â
KiraÂ
PS - Mindfulness can help introverted childrenâand all childrenâdevelop self-awareness, which leads to them understanding and loving themselves, and being better able to practice self-care. Stay tuned for an upcoming free training Iâm teaching for parents, homeschoolers, and educators, all about the three essential elements of mindfulness with children! â¨