Take Amy, for example. As a nine-year-old child, she excelled at schoolwork, earning nothing but straight A's and accolades from her teachers. However, when it came to interacting with her peers and adults, Amy often retreated behind a book, or became so embarrassed at having to answer questions that she would stutter or turn red.
Shyness is often a problem for children who, for some reason or another, find it difficult to interact socially with those around them. Everyone has had bouts of shyness at one point or another; but when it starts interfering with how your child interacts with his or her surroundings then it's time to make a change.
Want to learn how to help your child cope with shyness? Here are some expert tips that will have your son or daughter overcoming social anxiety in no time!
Don't Enable Or Exaggerate His Or Her Shyness. Parents often forget what it's like to be young and suffering from shyness, so they'll often do one of two things, they'll either talk for their child in order to minimize their suffering, or they'll put their child in stressful social situations to "shock" them out of shyness. Don't make this mistake! Rather, gradually introduce your child to different degrees of social scenarios. Start off with conversation with family then move on until your child is able to hold a conversation with a complete stranger. Don't accept monosyllable answers as conversation, either!
Cut Out Technology. These days, it seems like cutting computers and video games out of a child's life is tantamount to cruelty; however, some research suggests that these electronic toys can actually hinder your child's social development. Limit your child's online or gaming time and then encourage them to play with friends or siblings.
Try A Little Role-Play. Often, shyness is escalated when your child expects certain reactions from social situations; for example, your child may so fear embarrassing himself or herself while answering a question in the classroom that he or she won't raise a hand at all. If this sounds familiar to you, pretend to be a teacher and ask your child various questions. Once your child realizes that he or she is unlikely to embarrass himself in front of the classroom, he or she will be more willing to contribute.
Make Play Dates. It can be hard for your child to find common ground with his or her peers when suffering from shyness, so help your child out a little by arranging play dates with other children who share his or her interests. If your child enjoys reading, sign him or her up with a junior book club; if he or she enjoys playing sports, get your child to sign up for a team. Conversation will flow more readily when your child is surrounded by like-minded children.
Enlist Neighbourhood Aid. Know a few mothers around the block? Enlist their help by arranging play dates with neighbourhood children. Having a few friends around the block will get your child out of the house more and interacting with more children his or her age
As you can see, shyness can be easily overcome with love, support and a bit of discipline. Yet if your child suffers from the kind of shyness that actually prevent him or her from functioning as a normal child, ask your child's school if they offer any counselling services, it may be that your child suffers from social anxiety disorder, which should be treated by a licensed professional.
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