According to psychologist Hoang Anh - Voice of Therapist Office, when parents realize that their children are communicating less and less, they should not rush to think that it is just an introverted personality or try to force their children to change. Instead, parents need to understand the cause correctly and have appropriate companionship.
1. Distinguish between introverted and withdrawn
Many parents often confuse introverted children with withdrawn children. However, these are two completely different concepts.
Introverted children still communicate and develop normally, while withdrawn children tend to avoid relationships and lose interest in activities they once loved.
This situation may stem from academic pressure, family conflicts, bullying or psychological trauma. Therefore, parents should not rush to label their children without professional assessment.
2. Listen instead of urging children to be open
Instead of trying to force your child to be sociable immediately, the first thing parents need to do is build a feeling of emotional security for their child.
Constantly asking "Why don't you talk to anyone?" or asking you to be more open can make children more pressured and withdrawn.
Parents should care about their children's emotions with open-ended questions, and spend time with their children eating, walking, playing sports or participating in daily activities to increase bonding.
3. Don't ignore signs that require early intervention
If children withdraw for a long time, affecting their studies, activities, or are often sad and anxious, parents should take their children to see a specialist as soon as possible.
Psychological counseling is a proactive way to take care of mental health, and at the same time, family needs to be a place for children to be listened to and accompanied.
