My son David is almost four. He is talking more and more, growing like a weed, and absorbing so much. It is becoming more and more apparent that he is an extrovert. He thrives on being around people. He loves going out, visiting friends, group activities, and having people over. He loves showing people his toys, gets excited when people play with him, and will talk your ear off about his imaginary games if given the opportunity.
It is a joy to watch him grow and develop. But it is challenging to raise him, too, because my husband and I are both introverts. While we enjoy time with friends, we are also perfectly content – and maybe even prefer – to spend an evening in. We love making some favorite snacks and enjoying a favorite show together. Or we could both enjoy our own thing – he enjoys video games, while I love to curl up with a good book. The point is, we are good when it is just us, or doing solitary activities.
I’ve realized that we need to be very intentional with David. We have decided to wait on school until he is five, and even then we are considering homeschooling. But I am trying to get out with him regularly. Whether it is going to the zoo, the park, or a play date with a friend. When I think about how a day is going to be structured, my tendency is to plan a day at home – working around the house, doing home activities. But sometimes I need to readjust my plans and consider what would be better for David.
That’s the life of a parent though, isn’t it? As soon as the test shows “positive”, your life is suddenly no longer about you. To be a parent is to constantly put aside our wishes and desires – to lose free time and sleep – to constantly be thinking about the little people who are now dependent on us. As two introverts raising an extrovert, this is just another aspect of that truth. It has been helpful and eye-opening for me to realize this.
