Help! I’m an Introvert! (And My Baby Has Special Needs)

When the LSL approach clashes with your personality.

By

Daisy Bell

Published

April 2022

Updated

January 29, 2023

3 minutes

When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn More ›

I know, we've all grown a bit tired of introvert/extrovert articles. But... nothing forces me to acknowledge the reality of my introversion as much as a full day of LSL techniques. So much talking. So much listening. So much awareness of sound. Some days it feels like I live in constant noise.

Some days it feels like I live in constant noise.

I used to take a quiet walk, lost in my own thoughts. Now, it's filled with narration. The sounds I used to filter out—sirens, helicopters, dog barks—I now find impossible to ignore. Even when I step away for a break, I can hear my husband singing or narrating.

Of course, it's not really all noisy. We give her listening breaks, let her play quietly sometimes, and she takes naps. It's just much noisier than suits my nature.

When I was pregnant, I had envisioned parenting differently. I planned to be a quiet observer while the baby played. I imagined a babyhood where her mind would wander freely, uninterrupted, lost in her own thoughts. I patted myself on the back for not planning to "helicopter" her. But, like most things in parenting, things don't always go according to plan!

To be honest, if I'd had a typically hearing baby, I think I would have veered too far into the quiet life. I do believe the LSL techniques have made me a better parent to any baby.

I do believe the LSL techniques have made me a better parent to any baby.

But, as the days grow noisier, I've realized I still need to stay true to my nature! Sometimes the techniques need to take a back seat to my own sense of peace. Stepping away and requesting 15 minutes of quiet—or a walk alone—can renew me for another 3 hours of engaged sound awareness. The LSL techniques are a priority, but like anything with babies, so must be parental happiness.