The most important section comes at the end: helping the introverted child navigate the uncharted waters outside the parentally controlled environment. So many times while reading Part IV, I found myself saying to empty rooms: "Where was this book when I was a kid?"
Is there anything more difficult for an introvert than figuring out how to survive in societies that place a premium on being an extrovert? Certainly, it will never be any easy task, but Dr. Janey gives parents an incredible set of blueprints from which they can advise, beginning with infancy and extending to the college years. What kind of baby-sitter/care giver is best suited to an extroverted/introverted child's temperament? How do parents work with educators to support their efforts and at the same time, serve as advocates for their children? Is there any way to keep your innie from becoming the target of a playground bully? All of this and more is covered in the book's final section.
Along with examples from her own life and practice, Dr. Janey details scenarios — almost like workbook exercises — to reenact with their children, provides a list of "Syndromes and Disorders that Are Sometimes Confused with Introversion," and a selected reading list should anyone be interested in further study.
Even if you're not a parent, The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child is an invaluable resource for any innie wishing to understand themselves, perhaps heal wounds rooted in thoughts that there is/was something "wrong" with them, or an outtie interested to know why they feel invigorated after a night out clubbing, while a quiet, contemplative friend needs a week to recover. Whatever the motivation for reading, Marti Olsen Laney has given the world an engaging, fabulously informative treasure that won't be leaving my bookshelf any time soon.
Article comments
1 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
"Where was this book when I was a kid?"-- I share your thoughts. Well-written review of what sounds like a fascinating book.
2 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States. Nice work!