If you find small children exhausting to be around, psychology says you likely have these 6 traits

If you find hanging out with tiny tots more tiring than fun, you're not alone. Psychology suggests that certain personality traits can make small children seem more of a challenge than a delight.

This doesn't mean you're a monster. It might just mean that you possess these six traits, which can make interacting with the little ones feel like running a marathon.

In this article, we're going to delve into those characteristics. Not to make you feel bad, but rather to help you understand why you might feel the way you do. Ready to learn more about yourself? Let's dive in.

1) You're an introvert

Introversion isn't about being shy or antisocial. It's about where you draw your energy from.

Introverts tend to recharge by spending time alone. They often find social interactions draining - and it doesn't get much more social than interacting with small children.

Bear in mind, kids are a bundle of energy and curiosity. They are constantly asking questions, seeking attention and wanting to play. All of this social interaction can be overwhelming for an introvert.

This isn't a bad thing. It's just a different way of experiencing the world.

But recognizing this trait in yourself can help you understand why you might find children exhausting, and help you figure out ways to cope. For example, scheduling some alone time for recharging after a kiddie playdate might be a good strategy for you.

2) You're highly sensitive

If you've ever been told you're too sensitive or that you overthink things, this trait may apply to you. High sensitivity, often synonymous with being an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), refers to people who are more affected by stimuli - both physical and emotional.

I remember one day when I was babysitting my little nephew. He was having a rough day and was throwing tantrums left, right, and center. The constant noise, crying and chaos felt like a sensory overload. It wasn't just tiring - it was downright debilitating.

Being highly sensitive means you might find the unpredictability and high energy of children particularly draining. It's not that you don't care for them; it's just that your nervous system responds more intensely to stimuli than others might.

Understanding this about yourself can help you create strategies for managing these situations better. Maybe it's about setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, or even using calming techniques to manage sensory overload.

3) You're a perfectionist

Perfectionists are individuals who set extremely high standards for themselves and others. They tend to be detail-oriented, organized, and have a strong desire for everything to be just right.

Children, with their boundless energy and spontaneous nature, can often create scenarios that are anything but perfect. Toys are strewn about, meals can become food fights, and their unpredictable behavior can disrupt the most carefully laid plans.

Interestingly, a studies have found that perfectionism can lead to burnout at work, at home, and in relationships. So it's no surprise that the chaos that often accompanies children might leave perfectionists feeling particularly drained.

Recognizing this trait can help you learn to let go of some control and embrace the beautiful messiness of childhood. After all, life isn't always picture perfect - and that's okay.

4) You thrive on routine

Some people love spontaneity and the unknown, while others find comfort and stability in routine. If you belong to the latter group, children can certainly shake things up.

Kids, especially the younger ones, tend to be unpredictable. They might refuse to eat their favorite food one day, or insist on wearing their shoes on the wrong feet, just because they feel like it. And let's not even get started on the havoc they can wreak on sleep schedules.

This constant uncertainty can be exhausting for those who thrive on routine. It can feel like you're always on your toes, never knowing what surprise might be around the corner.

But understanding this about yourself can help you navigate these situations better. It could mean setting some gentle boundaries with children or learning to embrace a little bit of unpredictability in life.

5) You value deep conversations

As someone who has always been drawn to intellectual discussions and deep, meaningful conversations, I often find the interaction with young children a bit...lacking.

Children are wonderful in their innocence and straightforwardness, but their conversations rarely go beyond their favorite cartoon characters or the games they like to play. This can be endearing, but also quite tiring when you're someone who craves depth and complexity in interactions.

This doesn't mean you don't enjoy the company of children or that you cannot appreciate their simple joy. It just means that you might feel mentally drained after spending a day answering questions like "Why is the sky blue?" or "Where do babies come from?"

Recognizing this trait can help you balance your need for deep conversations with the simplicity of a child's world view. Maybe it's about finding common ground, or taking these simple queries as opportunities to introduce them to the wonders of the world around them.

6) You're not used to being around children

This might seem obvious, but it's worth noting. If you don't have much experience with kids, their energy and quirks can feel quite overwhelming.

Children operate on a different wavelength. They have their own rules and their own logic. And if you're not used to it, it can be mentally exhausting trying to keep up with them.

But like any skill, being comfortable around children can be learned over time. The more you interact with kids, the more you'll understand them and be able to handle their energy levels.

Remember, it's okay to find children exhausting. But recognizing why can help you adjust your approach or expectations, making those interactions a little less tiring.

Final thoughts: It's completely normal

The most important thing to remember is that finding children exhausting doesn't make you a bad person. It's perfectly normal and more common than you might think.

Each of us has unique personality traits, sensitivities, and energy levels. What energizes one person might exhaust another.

So if you find children tiring, it doesn't mean you don't like them or that you're unfit to be a parent or caregiver. It just means you might need to find different ways to interact with them, or simply ensure you're taking enough time for yourself to recharge.

And remember, understanding our traits and how they affect our interactions with others is the first step towards making positive changes.