Many young kids are usually shy when they encounter new situations. And this is quite natural. But when this shyness starts taking a toll on their creativity, confidence, and curiosity, it is a red flag for all their parents out there. it also becomes difficult for them to know how to help a shy child with studies and other things.
As a parent, taking it lightly can end your child feeling alone in a classroom full of kids. Moreover, it can also hamper their self-confidence, making them vulnerable to bullying. So, let us today discuss shyness in kids in detail.
We will start with the major signs to look for in a shy child. And then we will conclude the blog with a crisp guide for the parents to make their children more outspoken and confident.
Signs of Extreme Shyness in Kids
First of all, please understand that shyness is different from introversion. Introversion is a behavior trait. Whereas, shyness is rooted in apprehension, anxiety, and fear. So, is your child shy or an introvert? Here is a list of behavior traits that a shy child can display in an unfamiliar situation or place.
- The child rarely speaks willingly.
- The kids feel uncomfortable answering questions.
- Although the child understands and follows directions, he doesn’t respond verbally.
- The child responds in a very soft and low voice.
- A shy kid will always look at the ground or will not make any eye contact.
- A kid is shy when he avoids playing in groups or speaking in front of others.
- Shy kids usually have a worried, tense, or distracted look on their faces.
- At times, shy children also refuse to enter an unknown place without their parents.
What can Parents Do?
Thankfully, parents can play a vital role in helping their shy kids overcome this issue. Here are some tips for them.
Don’t Label them as “Shy”
Please understand that your kids look up to you for everything in life. Labeling them shy can leave a permanent imprint on their mind. The result is they will accept it as a fact of life and will stop making efforts to overcome it. So, first of all, stop calling your child shy in front of everyone. Instead, tell people that your child needs some alone time to adapt to the new situation.
Teach them Social Skills
Social skills are crucial to making your children outgoing and expressive. Encourage them to:
- Greet others
- Join in play
- Meet new people
- Strike a conversation at stores and shops
- Make eye contact
- Become a good listener
You can also use action figures, dolls, or puppets to create different role-play situations. You can also go for dance, art, and French tutoring to break the ice.
Talk to Them
Try to understand what is bothering your kids or pulling them from mixing up with other kids. Note down the major concerns and start working on them. Moreover, you should also discuss happy things about making friends, meeting them every day, and playing with them. The crux is to tell your kids how beautiful the world outside is.
Reward Them
Set achievable behavior goals in consultation with your kids. Take one step at a time and also offer rewards for a confident response. It is a brilliant way to make your kids outgoing and willing. Here are some tips:
- Set realistic targets
- Prepare a quirky progress chart and mark every milestone
- Pick encouraging rewards like toys, movie tickets, and picnics
- Don’t forget to praise your child in front of everyone. It will boost their self-confidence
Model Best Behavior to Help a Shy Child
Please understand that your child will learn how to behave and respond, at large, by observing you only. So, make sure you model the best social behavior in front of your kid. Experts call it an intelligent way to help your kids’ extreme shyness. Here are some tips:
- Smile more often
- Initiate conversation with strangers at departmental stores and trains
- Talk with confidence
- Keep your pitch confident and high
- Respond to every question and maintain eye contact
- Greet others
Develop your Child’s Self-Esteem
You see, low confidence is one of the major causes of shyness in kids. In other words, kids who feel good about themselves are more likely to be outgoing and happy. So, take your child to the latter part and give them the confidence to face the world. Here are some tips:
- Arrange a small friends party and praise your child for his good behavior
- Allow your child to make choices
- Motivate them to as questions and clarify doubts
- Tell them you are there for them no matter what
- Set separate times for interaction
All these things will make your shy child feel important and more confident.
Let them Speak
At times, kids resort to shyness because they do not get a chance to express their feelings and thoughts. If this is the case with your child too, undo it immediately. Sit with them and listen to their concerns. This simple process will give your child the courage to speak out his heart. It also allows the parents to understand the factors affecting their child’s social behavior.
Communicate with Teachers
Last but not least, teaming up with both the school and online tutoring teachers is also a great way to help your child overcome shyness. Discuss the strategies you use at home and seek the teacher’s response on them. In other words, work together and adopt a consistent approach to boost your chances of success.
Seek Counseling to help a shy child
Experts also recommend going for counseling, in case your kid is unable to overcome his shyness even after multiple attempts. A professional intervention can do magic in instilling self-confidence in shy kids.
Bottom Line
So, these were some tried and tested ways to help your shy kids. Going for a combination of methods can boost your chances of succeeding significantly. However, make sure you shower unconditional love on your child throughout the process.
Also, remember to maintain your calm as it can be a difficult phase for your child as well. You can also get in touch with a child psychology expert. It can help you understand more about your kid’s behavior and the factors affecting it. This is how you can help a shy child at your home. Good luck!