Helping Children Overcome Shyness

Shyness is a common feeling for young children, experienced frequently in younger children and happening less often as your child ages. Although being shy is normal there are things that parents can do to gently help their child get through their shyness in social situations.

It can be awkward and embarrassing when a child is too shy to interact with others. Yet this feeling is perfectly normal and can be expected to happen often as a young child learns how to interact in the world. Parents can play a large part in helping their child gently over come their shyness. The first thing parents need to do is keep their own reactions under check. Feeling shy can be embarrassing enough for a young child, parents need to be gentle and respectful of their child when this occurs. Attempting to use shame or belittling your child will only make him feel even more shy. Though his or her actions may seem silly and unwarranted to you, to your child their fears are very real and need to be treated as such.

Pay attention to your child's actions and behaviors that show signs of shyness. Physical signs such as drooping shoulders, crossed arms, and keeping the head facing down are all indicators of your child feeling shy. Your child may also stay near you, complain of feeling ill, or even cry. For some children their shyness may be too much leaving them feeling overwhelmed and upset. If your child is reacting strongly to their shyness it may be in your child's best interest to simply leave the social setting until a later time. Forcing a child to work through severe shyness will often only make the child feel less secure and more shy. Be willing to stop and provide your child a break away until they feel calmer and ready to deal with the social setting again.

Social skills, like any other skill, need to be practiced. Give your child frequent opportunities to interact with others. For a very shy child try smaller groups with children that he already knows well. Stay nearby to provide support and to give your child gentle support in over coming shyness. Often for young children shyness can be overcome by providing toys or activities that are entertaining and will distract your child from their shyness. Over time your child will become more comfortable in social situations as they both mature and learn to work through their shyness.

Many young children suffer from shyness when facing new social situations. Parents can gently help their children overcome shyness and move on to the next stage of their maturity. With patience, understanding, and practice shy children will open up to new people and learn to work through being shy.