Out of 6 children, I have 3 that are very extroverted.
Very. Extroverted.
And a husband who joins them in that.
It has been difficult for me over the years, but one thing I learned when my oldest was very young, around 5 years old, was how important social interaction is for my extroverted children.
Just like I desperately need that alone time to recharge, they need social interaction just as desperately.
And as the mom, it’s easy to just lay down the law and say no to too much socialness.
However, we are raising strong, confident humans, and to neglect this part of their soul is unfair and unwise.
If you were forced to go to parties every day, you would become a shell of a person–at least I would.
It is imperative that you honor this aspect of your extroverted child’s personality.
They need to be out in the world. Homeschooling can be isolating. For us introverts, it’s great!
But for our extroverted children it can feel like a death sentence.
And just like you don’t have to be alone every single day, your children don’t have to be with friends daily, but you do need to be intentional about it.
Put them in coops, have them take a class at the local public high school, put them in sports, church activities, 4H, or other extra curricular activities.
If a mom invites them to join a chess club, let them go.
I know, it’s so much running around and so much extra energy for you. This goes against every fiber in your introverted being, but these are your babies!
We want what’s absolute best, and respecting this side of your child IS what is best for them.
You do not want them to wither.
They need to be watered with regular social activities.
Of course, set boundaries so your family isn’t in the car all the time, but don’t forget how deeply important this is for them.