Most shy people carry shyness from childhood. If until a while ago little attention was paid to childhood shyness, thinking that it would reduce over the years, today it is known that a shy child will grow into an adult with difficulties in social relationships. That is why it is convenient to try to overcome shyness already in childhood and protect our children from the consequences of being shy.
Characteristics of a shy child
- Shy children are characterized by their tendency to be lonely, they do not like to play with other children, they are not comfortable in team games, they are afraid of being separated from their parents, and they have poor social skills. Their insecurity and fear of being rejected also makes them withdraw when it comes to participating in class, which can cause problems in their studies.
- Shyness originates in childhood and creeps into adulthood. There is no specific family environment that can be presented as the cause of childhood shyness, since the shy child can grow up both in a detached environment with few signs of affection and in an overprotective environment where everything revolves around the child. However, the common denominator of childhood shyness is insecurity.
How to remove shyness in children?
- In order for a child to overcome his shyness, empathy must be practiced. Adults must put ourselves in the child’s situation and reinforce him according to her needs. A child whose shyness is caused by a lack of attention, low self-esteem, or frequent punishments will not need the same reinforcement as a child who is shy for being the center of attention and living too much exposure to others.
- In both cases the shy child wants to go unnoticed. Including him in social activities should be done gradually and without pressure. In no case should a shy child be scolded because he does not want to go play with other children, but rather convince him of the advantages of doing so. And you shouldn’t listen to comparisons to the more outgoing attitude of the other kids, either. In the most serious cases and if the parents are unable to help their child to stop being shy, it is best to turn to a professional.