My 11 Year Old Never Wants to Leave the House

J.,
I wouldn't worry about her too much. I too was the same way. I still would prefer to be a homebody and read and write in my journal. I am 45 and a stay at home mom with 9 kids (6 still at home) and loving it. Another thought, sometimes gifted and talented children find (sometimes not consciously) that peers of the same age are "immature". That may be why she'd rather not hang out with them. I wasn't in a gifted program but I did find this running thru my mind when invited to birthday parties, etc. My 25 year old daughter is the same way. She even hated the phone as a teen. Your daughter is probably one of those you won't have to worry about getting into trouble as a teen :) I hope this helps. She really is OK.
God's Blessings......V.

Hi Jileana C. Your daughter sounds great to me. My 12 year old is the same way. I have raised 4 teenagers, boy, was that an adventure. Zhalee choses to stay at home. I know she will be growing into a young adult all too soon. Keep your daughter close to your aprin strings now, cause when she decides to fly, she will go. Good luck and enjoy her now, while she lets you.

You know her personality is her personality. You can't force her to socilaize if she doesn't wish to. If she is a shy introvert well then that is just her. If there is an underlying problem then you can treat that of course. Maybe depression, self esteem issues or something of this nature. But if you see no signs of depression and she just isn't a social butterfly and such I would leave her be. Encourage her to do things she is comfortable with but most certainly I would never force her to go to a party. I would have been upset by that when I was young.

I wouldn't worry. Yet. It's hard when you're an extrovert and your child is an introvert. But try not to worry about her social skills yet.

My oldest is the one who plays by himself all the time and he's 11. My youngest is 8 and he's completely opposite.

Unless you notice other symptoms, like crying for no reason or fits. If she seems happy, let her be. I didn't like being pushed into going to parties or over to friends houses and stuff right about the same age. I read all the time. My mom worried too but I just changed from a kid who liked to be outside to one who liked to read more than anything else. My middle sister was mad at me for a while because I wouldn't play outside anymore.

I wouldn't worry. Or at least try not to worry. I know, I know, easier said than done.

Hi J.!!

Oh, so awesome having a child this age. My son is 11 and they are really hard to understand sometimes. Mine is a little bit introverted as well. I really think sometimes it's the age. Maybe a bit because they do come from a broken family (my son too). It's hard because they are at an age where they're old enough to do some things but not old enough to do others and make some of their own choices. I just believe that it's the age.

I personally wouldn't push her to go to parties if she doesn't want to go. She wouldn't have fun if she felt pushed into it.

God bless you!!!
T.
http://tinamccomb.stayinhomeandlovinit.com