10 ways to help a shy child

1. Know your kid’s interest

Pay more attention to your child. Shy kids always keep everything to themselves. Find out what interests your kid. If your child loves martial arts, sign your little fighter up for a class. One other way to find out your kid’s interest is through good media exposure such as Discovery Channel, Tech TV, etc.

2. Teach your kid basic social and communication skills

Kids often need to be taught how to make eye contact, smile and respond to polite chit-chat. Teach your child basic social skills by making games out of these things and practice it at home.

Teach your kid how to communicate with others. Start simple, like teaching your child about greetings – "Hi, how are you?", "My name is…", "Do you want to play?", "Can I play too?", "Hi, I like your…" – simple things like that will help him/her mingle around easily.

3. Make some friends

Find out who your little one likes getting close to. Ask the teachers in school about the other kids your son/daughter tends to sit next to in class. Find out who shares the same interest with your kid and perhaps, invite them over for a play date. You should also encourage your child to join the other kids in the extra co-curricular activities after school. Stay there and make him/her feel safe with your presence.

4. Don’t use force

Don’t force your child to do something they are not comfortable with. Your baby is slow when it comes to socializing with the world. Let your child take his/her time. Just make sure you’ll be there to guide your little one through this difficult time.

5. Don't push your child to perform.

Some kids like telling jokes or showing off their new ability, but your shy child probably hates it. Enjoy your child without making him feel like he's only valued if he performs.

6. Improve your child’s self-esteem

Help your little darling achieve more by identifying his/her interest and helping him get better at things he already enjoys doing. Compliment your little angel for socializing with the other kids at school.

7. Take some risks

Take a good look at yourself. You might be the reason your kid is an introvert. Are you too protective and controlling? If you are that could be the answer. Change your behaviour, take some risks and give your little one a little freedom. Let your child feel his/her own strength.

8. Go for an outing

Take your child out to meet new people and hang out with your friends’ kids. Visit your relatives (with kids) and let your little one socialize.

9. Movies and books

Expose your darling to films (educational ones of course). Kids reality shows like Barney and Friends can really help bring out a child’s self esteem. Read more books such as fairy tales and mythical tales. Younger kids are more imaginative and creative therefore stories like these can help your little angel step out of the shell.

10. Try not to criticize

Your kid might be introverted because of the criticism they got when they were young. It's natural that a child who gets a lot of criticism might shy away from the public as they think they can’t impress the world enough. As a parent, you have to realize this issue fast and help your kid step out into society. Use positive language, be encouraging and try not to criticize unless necessary. Don’t let your little baby fear the world. Happy parenting!

Written by

Miss Vanda

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