Practical Tips for Thriving as an Introverted Mom

I have been a mother for nearly 12 years and I have learned so much about myself during these years. However, I have always known that I was introverted. That was never a doubt or question in my mind. Raising my three children (who each have their own unique personality – a mix of future introverts & extroverts) has been extremely enlightening on so many levels.

 

I grew up being the quiet child that was labeled as shy or weird. I would watch as most of the other children would go on about their day without a care in the world. Laughing as loudly as they wanted without fear of looking silly or obnoxious.

Being an introverted person is different for every introvert and how they interact with the world is just as unique. However, being an introverted mom/parent can be even more challenging to maneuver in today’s society. I don’t mind being introverted. It’s where I draw most of my strength on my ability to inwardly think and process without the disruption of the outside world.

Before I share with you what has worked for me, I’d like to acknowledge that being a mother is wonderful, hard and a never ending learning experience. It doesn’t take away anything from being a mom whether you’re an introverted or extroverted mom.

 

Whether you are outgoing or more reserved and laid back, moms are constantly being judged no matter where we turn or what we do. I won’t go into detail, but let’s just say we are judged on literally everything! With a fine tooth comb – no less. But, why? No one is perfect and introverts understand this probably better than the rest because we are outside of the box thinkers, dreamers and we can understand and appreciate everyone’s uniqueness, gifts & abilities.

 

 

PLAN & EXECUTE YOUR QUIET TIME –   It is so very important as a mom to have time to yourself. We are so busy raising the next generation that we forget we are still living ourselves. On top of that, there is the nagging guilt that if we do take time for ourselves we are somehow not doing our job as a mother of always putting our child first.

Just remember that it is impossible to pour out anything from an empty cup. This tip is “plan & execute” for a reason. Because as mom’s we are so quick to “plan” on taking time for ourselves that we forget to actually “execute” that plan and make it happen.

So, take that time for yourself momma. Go grab some coffee and enjoy a quiet trip in the car or crank up those tunes. Take a long hot bubble bath or read a good book in silence. Just remember to relax. Not think about what you should/could be doing or what are the kids doing… They are being kids and to be brutally honest, they are probably not even thinking about you.. So fill your cup momma! Your kids will benefit from a freshly renewed and relaxed mom, and so will you!

 

UNDERSTAND YOUR LIMITS –   Don’t let anyone make you feel bad because you’re not constantly running up and down the road taking your child from one fun new adventure to the next. Understanding your limits will help you avoid mommy burnout and more than likely your child will appreciate it as well. Kids need rest, too!

It’s okay to simply enjoy each others company and talk and be silly without the need to compare how someone else is raising their kids or maybe you should be more “fun”…

No! Stop it! You are a fun mom. You are amazing. You do awesome things with your kids and you do them on terms and times when you know you’re able and what’s best for your family! 

It’s important to know your limits in life and when to take a break and when to push on further. Once you have a grasp on that and don’t let the voices of others influence you, you will be much happier.

 

 

LOVE YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU’RE AMAZING –   You’re not perfect. No one is. So, love yourself! So what if you’re a little awkward or shy or don’t want to be the center of attention. You’re still amazing and you have so many wonderful gifts to share with your family and the world. And in your own time when you choose to do so.

Forgive yourself when you fall short or when you try too hard to be a perfectionist. Understand that your flaws are what make you so unique and embrace them completely.

Everyone learns things and copes with things differently. Being an introvert just means that you’re going to do things  differently than other’s. It doesn’t mean you’re doing them wrong or not good enough. You just do things to the beat of your own drum and that’s pretty awesome to me.

Don’t be afraid to stand out and be different. Don’t be afraid to try again when you fall. Each gift, talent and unique ability that you possess is what makes you amazing! Use those every day and you will not only be a better mother for it, but you will be a better person for it. It’s a beautiful thing when you can inspire someone else to let their own unique flame burn bright for the world to see.

 

 

STOP OVERTHINKING EVERYTHING –   This should be interesting considering that introverts are naturally introspective and in-tune with ourselves. Which means we are often times more prone to overthinking. We seem to know when something is wrong with us even if we can’t pin point exactly what it might be.

We know these things because we have spent so much time thinking over each little detail time and time again. But, sometimes we benefit far more from things and certain situations if we just stop overthinking them.

It’s a hard feat to ask, especially from introspective people. Just think of it as learning something new, because who doesn’t like new things? Call it an experiment or whatever it is that you need to do to take your mind off overthinking things from motherhood, friendships, work or home… Just let it go and simply be in the moment. It’s okay!

 

 

UNPLUG THE WHOLE FAMILY –    Whether your kids are too small to know what technology is or if you have teenagers whose smartphone has grown into a 6th finger on their hands… Make time for the whole family to unplug and spend some beneficial time together.

It can be so easy to let them play a video game so you can have a moment to yourself and trust me, I am not saying don’t do that. I do that plenty. But, there are times when everyone needs to come together as a family and actually interact with each other… (Cue every teenagers eye rolls…)

Social media and technology today has made some incredible breakthroughs, but it does come at a cost to how we interact with people. Especially how we interact with our family and friends. It’s easier now than ever to be so close to someone and yet so distant. To get wrapped up in comparison or the mindless scrolling and we forget that life isn’t on our smartphone. It is what is happening around us while we are busy looking at our phones.

So, get unplugged and start enjoying the things in life that really matters. Your family, friends and the precious time that you are blessed to be able to spend with them. You would be surprised at just how much time you waste (yes, waste!) on social media… It can be fun and sometimes rewarding to engage with technology. Just don’t forget to live your life!

 

 

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As an introverted mom, I understand life’s challenges and the uphill battle that is sometimes unavoidable. However, I know how rewarding it can be to embrace who you are and the amazing things life has to offer once you’re comfortable in your own skin. Your spouse, kids, friends and most importantly you will benefit so much more by simply being yourself. Introverted or Extroverted or simply somewhere in between, we are all uniquely wonderful with truly amazing gifts and abilities to share with the world. Are you ready?

 

 

I hope you found this helpful and if you did, please share with friends and family. As always, to stay up to date on the newest blog posts, please Subscribe to our email list so you don’t miss out on anything!

 

Until next time, Stay Blessed Beautiful Mommies! ♥