In the society we live in we tend to classify children with certain labels such as ” shy /reserved”, “social/spontaneous”. Without a doubt, most parents would like their child to be the first to greet people, ask questions, sing and dance without being embarrassed… And it is often that shy children are put in evidence by their parents, who even try to apologize for their son’s shyness. However, there is nothing wrong with shyness in childhood, since in most cases it disappears with time.
If you want to help your child overcome shyness, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Come up with small goals that require your child to be more open. As he reaches them, you can go proposing bigger goals. It is important that you do not force him to do things for which he is not prepared.
- Praise the behavior of open children without making comparisons or reproaches. Never use phrases like “don’t be silly”, “you can’t”, or “you always do it wrong”.
- Be open to your child and be a good role model, as children tend to copy their parents.
- Help your child interact with other children. Motivate him but never force him to do something he doesn’t want. You can invite your child’s friends over so that little by little he starts playing with them.
- Sign him up for an extracurricular activity that interests him, such as painting, music or theater.
- If your little one settles in an open way, reward him both verbally and emotionally, or you can even reward him by doing an activity of his liking.
- Talk to all the adults who are in a relationship with your child and ask them to follow the same behavior steps as you.