Truths About Being an Extroverted Parent

1 They tend to be pretty laid-back.

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As far as dealing with day-to-day problems, extroverts generally know how to play it cool and usually don't dwell on things for too long. "They're fun and easygoing," says Sophia. "They don't overthink and things happen around them." There's something to be said for tackling an issue head on — think: breaking curfew — rather than letting the anger build up.

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2 They’re always down to do something.

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Parents who consider themselves to be extroverted are akin to the Energizer Bunny — they just keep going and going. And that means they're generally always game to have a good time, whether it's trying something new, like rock climbing, or heading up the PTA.

If that sounds like you, be prepared to field a ton of activity requests, especially if your kiddo is also super outgoing and active. "Extroverts are going to be the parent that's going to go sledding and surfing with their children," says Dr. Whitbourne. "They're the ones your kids will look for when they want to have a good time and get out of the house."

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3 They have a playful side.

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Although it may be challenging for an extroverted parent to fully understand their children's emotions at times, they can get in touch with their silly side at the drop of a dime. "Extroverted parents are going to find it easier to get into the silliness of actually being a kid," explains Dr. Whitbourne.

So the next time your little guy needs a pick-me-up, don't be afraid to crack a few jokes or get a little loud — sometimes a distraction is exactly what the doctor ordered.

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4 They may have a hard time understanding their kids if they're more reserved.

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As much as we want the best for our children, it's also important to appreciate your differences personality-wise. "An extroverted parent with an extroverted kid sounds like a party," says Sophia, but, "an extroverted parent with an introverted kid might mean a lot of worried prompting: 'Stop sitting alone in your room! Go play with friends!'" Try to avoid getting too worked up over it.

Dr. Whitbourne says to be extra mindful of this if you have an introvert on your hands: "It's important to respect what she actually finds comfortable. It doesn't mean you can't push her out of her comfort zone ever, having her take dance lessons, but don't throw her into a school production where she's going to have to stand up on the stage in front of 100 people."

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5 They're known for making a little noise.

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You know that mom who seems to have boundless energy on the sidelines? Well, she's probably an extrovert, and that means there's a reason she never stops cheering. "Extroverts make a lot of noise and draw attention to themselves, especially when there's more than one in a room," says Dr. Whitbourne. Oh, and don't be surprised if you're met with a lot of eye rolls and comments along the lines of "Mom, you're so loud!" Sometimes the truth hurts!

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6 They’re usually considered to be "the fun parent."

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If you hear chatter from your kids' friends that you're one of the cool parents, don't be surprised. Extroverts are known for being the life of the party and have no problem touting that reputation.

"They have a lot of fun and are especially attractive in social settings," says Dr. Whitbourne. "Extroverts like laughing and are specifically more active. Think less reading, more going out there and playing pick-up basketball or hanging out with other folks."

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