In thinking about parenting, I remember reading about advice given to parents regarding understanding our children. I know we do not like to label ourselves or set ourselves up to just one category; however, there are tendencies for individuals to be introverts or extroverts. I find that this distinction is very important for us to realize as parents and for ourselves. I define an introvert as a person who recharges by having some quiet time alone. A person who needs this as part of their day to actively or consciously be left alone. The extrovert, on the other hand, recharges by being with other people. An example of an extrovert may be the person who walks in the door and wants to share everything that happened to them with another person. This person recharges by having conversations with others or having a favorite activity as a way to celebrate. The introvert, on the other hand, may not want to talk about their day upon arriving home. This person may want to go sit on the couch, read a book, or hang out in their room. It is just the introvert's way of recharging.

If we are aware of these two types of tendencies, then we can also see why some kids thrive in group class. The extroverts are not only getting a meaningful activity, but they are gathering energy from the dynamic of the group. The introvert also benefits from the activity, but may be more quiet in class and not always offer comments or volunteer. Our teachers may draw out the introverts to participate. The teaching we have done online has benefited both the introvert and extrovert in different ways. Extroverts get to lead, have solos, and comment readily. Introverts benefit from being able to participate while being muted and by participating one by one. For the introvert, a day filled with activities with others may mean that the need to have down time and time alone in order to recharge. Being able to simply turn off the computer, can assure this individual some alone time.

During the pandemic stay at home advisory, the introvert may have had less conflict in preserving his alone time. As we begin to open up our doors again, go out to see people and think about gatherings and socialization, there are some for whom this may weigh quite heavily. While I believe we all are looking forward to human contact again, how much we need may depend upon the individual. There may be anxiety related to the return to in person learning. The children are back to school full time and are now navigating who to sit with at lunch, and which kids in their classes are their friends. As we go back to work in person, we now have to think about our commuting times, what to wear, and juggling multiple responsibilities again.

With the upcoming long weekend, I hope you all enjoy some much deserved rest, relaxation and fun time that will recharge you. Please think about catching up on old friends and family, remembering loved ones we may have lost. But let's also look forward, and plan for our summer at Suzuki School and the coming fall when we will be fully back to in person learning. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the Parent coffee on June 7th via Zoom!

Sachiko Isihara
Executive Director

P.S. If you want to sign up for summer activities besides individual lessons, you can still sign up for the Piano Improv class, Cello Camp, and the Summer Piano Workshop.

Also we are still enrolling for Preschool 2021-2022 -- please spread the word to anyone you know who may be interested! You can contact Deb Leary to learn more at teachdebperry@gmail.com