Quiet Kids: Help Your Introverted Child Succeed in an Extroverted World

by Christine Fonseca

Overview

Being an introverted child is difficult, especially in an ever-increasingly noisy world. Often viewed as aloof, unmotivated, or conceited, introverted children are deeply misunderstood by parents, educators, and even their peers. That's where Quiet Kids: Help Your Introverted Child Succeed in an Extroverted World comes in. Designed to provide parents with a blueprint for understanding the nature of introversion, Quiet Kids provides specific strategies to teach children how to thrive in a world that may not understand them. Presented in an easy-to-read, conversational style, the book uses real-world examples and stories from introverts and parents to show parents and educators how to help children develop resiliency and enhance the positive qualities of being an introvert. With specific strategies to address academic performance, bullying, and resiliency, Quiet Kids is a must-read for anyone wishing to enhance the lives of introverted children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781618210821
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/01/2013
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Christine Fonseca has worked in the field of education for more than a decade. Relying on her expertise as a school psychologist, behavioral consultant, speaker, and parenting expert, she has been a resource for parents and children in understanding the social and emotional needs of gifted children.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Author's Note xi

Introduction xiii

Part I Introverted and Extroverted Kids: A Matter of Hardwiring 1

Chapter 1 The Science of Temperament 5

Chapter 2 A Wallflower? Or Not? 19

Chapter 3 Soaring With Strengths 29

Chapter 4 In Their Own Words: A Matter of Temperament 39

Part II Introverted Kids at Home 43

Chapter 5 Setting the Foundation 4

Chapter 6 Nurturing Resiliency 61

Chapter 7 Building a Stronger Village 75

Chapter 8 In Their Own Words: Introverts and Extroverts, Oh My! 89

Part III Introverted Kids at School 93

Chapter 9 How Introverts Learn 95

Chapter 10 Leveling the Playing Field 107

Chapter 11 Coping With Failure 119

Chapter 12 In Their Own Words: The Pressure to Succeed-High School Introverts Speak Out 131

Part IV Introverted Kids at Play 137

Chapter 13 Surviving the Social Scene 141

Chapter 14 Navigating Through the Mine Fields 153

Chapter 15 Creativity, Technology, and Building on Strengths 165

Chapter 16 In Their Own Words: Moving from Shame to Empowerment 175

Looking to the Future 179

Final Thoughts 181

Recommended Resources 183

References 189

About the Author 191

Editorial Reviews

09/16/2013
Schools and our culture favor the extrovert, asserts YA author and school psychologist Fonseca (The Girl Guide), a self-identified introvert who conducts workshops on the subject. Society “cherishes extroversion,” she writes, but there is nothing wrong with introversion (which may affect as much as a quarter of the population), and it does not need to be “fixed.” According to Fonseca, the difference is neurological: the introvert’s brain utilizes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, while the extrovert relies on dopamine. Introverts need solitude, time to process before answering a question (e.g., in class), and are unsettled by competitive environments. Fonseca focuses on the introvert’s strengths (creativity, curiosity, deep thinking) while helping parents and educators understand and answer the introverted child’s needs. In four parts, she addresses the introverted child’s hardwiring, life at home, at school, and at play. The chapters include “class notes” that specifically speak to teachers, with suggestions on how to make a classroom balanced for the quiet child, as well as the extrovert. Fonseca also addresses ways parents can help the introverted child at home, including relaxation techniques and methods of building resiliency and social skills. Extremely useful for educators and parents, this thoughtful text emphasizes the many gifts of quiet kids. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

Fonseca focuses on the introvert's strengths (creativity, curiosity, deep thinking) while helping parents and educators understand and answer the introverted child's needs. In four parts, she addresses the introverted child's hardwiring, life at home, at school, and at play. The chapters include “class notes” that specifically speak to teachers, with suggestions on how to make a classroom balanced for the quiet child, as well as the extrovert. Fonseca also addresses ways parents can help the introverted child at home, including relaxation techniques and methods of building resiliency and social skills. Extremely useful for educators and parents, this thoughtful text emphasizes the many gifts of quiet kids.,Publisher's Weekly, 9/16/13
Although Ms. Fonseca has geared this book to raising and educating children, the information and techniques are valuable at any stage in life. The chapters can be read independently, and the layout allows readers to quickly access the information they are seeking. Ms. Fonseca's book is organized, easy to read and well-structured. It is a strong resource for any parent or educator who is interested in learning more about introverted children—and adults!—and gaining practical skills to improve communication and encourage success in a world that tends to focus on the importance of extroversion.,Davidson Institute for Talent Development, 5/1/13

From the Publisher