Shyness-A misunderstood emotion
Some children are slow to warm up or uncomfortable in social situations. We often say they’re naturally shy.
Shyness is a common, but a misunderstood emotion. All children are not extroverts, every child is not popular. Not all parents can accept this fact with a smile. They fail to see this as a personality trait, and treat it as a drawback. Many a times, even school teachers call on the shy child, encourage, and at times, indirectly force the child to talk or interact with other classmates.
Shyness is not a problem or disorder which needs attention. Most shy people outgrow their shyness with time.
A few tips to help the child overcome shyness:
- Give your child time to feel comfortable..
- Stay with your child in social situations, like playgroup or parents group, while encouraging her to explore. As your child gets more comfortable you can gradually move away for short periods. Build up their confidence slowly and gradually.
- Be patient and listen to them.
- Build a relationship of trust with your shy child.
Know, accept and love your child.
- If other people say your child is ‘shy’, gently correct them in front of your child. For example, ‘She’s not shy – she just takes a little while to get comfortable and then she’ll join in’.
- Avoid negative comparisons with more confident siblings or friends. Instead help to build your child’s self-esteem by focusing on even small steps towards being less shy.
- Dont discuss the child and her problems in front of the child or the other children or adults in the family.
Some children are slow to warm up or uncomfortable in social situations. We often say they’re naturally shy.
Shyness is a common, but a misunderstood emotion. All children are not extroverts, every child is not popular. Not all parents can accept this fact with a smile. They fail to see this as a personality trait, and treat it as a drawback. Many a times, even school teachers call on the shy child, encourage, and at times, indirectly force the child to talk or interact with other classmates.
Shyness is not a problem or disorder which needs attention. Most shy people outgrow their shyness with time.
A few tips to help the child overcome shyness:
- Give your child time to feel comfortable..
- Stay with your child in social situations, like playgroup or parents group, while encouraging her to explore. As your child gets more comfortable you can gradually move away for short periods. Build up their confidence slowly and gradually.
- Be patient and listen to them.
- Build a relationship of trust with your shy child.
Know, accept and love your child.
- If other people say your child is ‘shy’, gently correct them in front of your child. For example, ‘She’s not shy – she just takes a little while to get comfortable and then she’ll join in’.
- Avoid negative comparisons with more confident siblings or friends. Instead help to build your child’s self-esteem by focusing on even small steps towards being less shy.
- Dont discuss the child and her problems in front of the child or the other children or adults in the family.
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