I am awaiting the arrival of Elaine N. Aron's book; The Highly Sensitive Child.
Tiger was an introvert from Day 1, okay maybe not day one but he is SHY. I always thought that it was his temperament and never really gave it much thought. We just hug him a lot in crowded areas, give him time to warm up, etc.
Then lately, he staring displaying some weird behaviour like disliking his socks. He was always scratching the seams, even through his shoes at times.
Thinking back, he disliked swaddling as an infant..hah!
He was irritated with clothing labels, diapers. Always tugging, scratching....
Then there is the part where he is still easily startled and afraid of loud noises. That would include loud male voices like Daddy's. Just a little louder, not even scolding, mind you and Tiger would be reduced to tears.
His is easily disturbed by my moods or other children's crying. He would feel sad whenever another kid is throwing a tantrum or crying.
He notices little things like changing of furniture, curtains or newly trimmed trees in the park. The other day, I was driving past the lake when he noticed some newly planted shrubs, he said, "Mama, see...nice"
He is a perfectionist. No helping unless he asked for it. No broken crayons. (Unfortunately for me). He cleans like nobody's business and is very neat and clean.
Luckily he is okay with sleep, a little difficult to fall asleep after a hectic day but not fussy.
He asks questions all the time, Who? What? Where?
Here's a link to Aron's questionnaire on her Highly Sensitive Person website.
Luckily he did not display symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder.
Hopefully I will become a better parent with more understanding towards my child after reading the book.
In the meantime, if your child display the same traits as Tiger, I found this article succintly written and easy to read except for the small print.
So, after this, if anyone ask, "Why is Tiger so shy, like girl?" I would answer, "F*** off, he is just sensitive"
Hee hee....no lar, I am too nice, REALLY. I will just say, "He's gifted and you are not!".
Okay, I will probably just give a fake, polite smile :)
2 comments:
This is a good post that brings up stereotypes. Why does society make it seem "shyness" for girls? Is this because girls were told to be quiet and all that feminist rights business that was not pushed back in the day? I think so. I have taught many students and I have to say there are the same amount of girls that are shy just as much as the boys. It's just in their personality and that is that. And thank goodness for different personalities. If there were all outgoing people in this world, there would be a lot of chaos! From how you are describing your son, I would call him more of a personal thinker than shy! He sounds like those quiet geniuses that have their own way of thinking, doing and perfecting stuff. Sounds like an absolute joy of a child! Kudos to you for being such a great mom!!
Hi Paige,
Thank you so much for your feedback, especially since you have worked with so many children. I have always thought that being a shy kid would be a disadvantage socially but the fact that I have a child who thinks before he leaps is truly a blessing.
There is just so much to learn about being a good parent. Thanks for your support :) *hugs*
Post a Comment