How to Help a Child Overcome Shyness

For some children, social situations can be scary and overwhelming. They may find it difficult to talk to others and may feel that it is easier to be the wallflower instead. Although being shy is easier for your child, it is important to help them overcome that shyness and learn how to adjust to social situations more easily. There are several ways that you can help your child overcome her shyness.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Involve them in playgroups or in extracurricular activities, depending on their age. This is a great way to get them involved with other children who have the same interests as them. If they are around children who share the same interests, they may find it easier to get involved.

2. Discuss the reasons for their anxiety with them. Ask them if they are they afraid that the other children won't like them, if they fear that they will be rejected or think that they won't share a common interest with the other children. There is usually a reason why a child has a difficult time interacting with their peers and talking it out with them may help them through it.

3. Encourage and support your shy child in any way that you can. Try to get them to interact with others in social situations, but don't be too overbearing and give them space when they need it. If your child feels that you will support their decision no matter what, given a little time they might recover from their shyness on their own.

[AnthonyJ33]

on 11/5/2008 Very good article, and a must-read for any parent or soon-to-be parent. Clipping the wings of shyness at an early age is critical in my view; enabling a kid to grow up strong and confident is a must! I wish my parents had this article to follow when I was a kid!