Many kids are shy. They hesitate to interact with others. They withdraw into a shelf. Even in adulthood they remain shy. This could affect their performance levels at school and in building up friends. They miss out on several opportunities.
Shyness in children is definitely a problem, which needs to be tackled by parents. Parents need to take sometime off from their busy schedule and deal with the problem. After all, their child must not suffer in his or her later years. What can a parent do to encourage his child or her child to overcome shyness? Here are a few tips:
How Parents Can Help Shy Kids? – Top 10 Tips for Shy Kids Parents
- Identify the nature of the shyness of the child – The parent needs to identify the nature of the child’s shyness. Some may be afraid to act in public, or build up emotional ties with others. They may have problems in communicating non-verbally. Such problems need to be addressed by public.
- Be a role mode to the child – The parent needs to be interactive himself or herself. The child picks up behavior patterns of the parent. If the child finds his or her parent very interactive, then they will also do the same.
- Resolving problems creatively – The child need to be taught to solve problems by finding solutions. He or she need not get overwhelmed by problems. There is always a way out. Also having creative hobbies to understand one’s abilities is also good. It boosts self-esteem. Hobbies such as playing the piano, taking part in a play, singing a song in public can make child overcoming his or shyness.
- Do not compare – It is better to avoid comparisons as the child will develop an inferiority complex and feel shy about mixing with others.
- Boost the confidence levels of child – It is better to make the child feel good about him or herself. The child’s confidence levels need to be high. Saying nice things about him or her builds a positive self-esteem in him or her. He or she will feel very sure of himself or herself while associating with others. Vivacious and outgoing people are generally very sure of their abilities and talents.
- Etiquette needs to be taught – The child needs to develop manners while associating with others. He or she needs to be polite and courteous. Words such as “Thank you” “Good morning” etc. must be used.
- Mock presentations – The child needs to be encouraged to sing or recite a poem in front of others. One can call his or her friends and neighbors and have mock presentations to let him or her overcome shyness.
- Help the child to cope up with a situation – It is important to help a child in handling a given situation by encouraging him or her and giving suggestions and advice. The child needs to feel that he or she can handle a situation. Assign chores to them, set targets which they can reach etc. Also they can play games which will boost their self-esteem.
- Approach school authorities – One can have a frank talk with school authorities to ensure that the child can overcome his or her shyness at school. The child needs to be encouraged to mix around with other classmates and not hesitate to participate in the class.
- Professional help – Seek professional help in case you are not able to make a child get over his or her shyness. They could be psychological reasons for the child not associating with his or her peer. Counseling helps.
Parents need to help a shy child to relate better to others by encouraging him or her to participate in events, get-together and mingle with others more freely and comfortably. They can set an example by being outgoing and interactive themselves.
2 Comments
my child is shy to perform in public
I think there is nothing much to worry. Some kids are like that but you could make a difference. Don’t panic or force him. Ask him to perform in front of you, then in front of your family. Slowly increase the audience. Give him some gift once he is able to do it. Encourage him and he would pick up. Tell him that you were like him but you tried and were able to do it. Inspire him…..