Most parents value their special child and do not attach much importance to their unwillingness to communicate outside the family circle. However, shyness can impede the acquisition of social skills, jeopardize school performance and even interfere with personal development. Needless to say that the result will be problems with emotional and physical health?
The good news is that most children can learn to manage social anxiety. They just need a bit of your support. What are some ways to overcome shyness?
- Notice the needs of your shy child and respond to them. Responsiveness of those closest helps sensitive children to calm down and control their behavior. This increased susceptibility becomes an advantage in communication - it allows you to better respond to the needs of interlocutors.
- Empathize with the child and do not be ashamed of him. Supporting parents in any situation helps to raise self-esteem. Excessive criticism only makes him close from others. Empathy of parents will gradually expand social skills.
- Be an example of confident communication with other people. Children learn by watching adults. It means to be friendly with strangers, offer help and be open to new contacts.
- Teach your child basic social skills. Children often need to be trained to establish eye contact, shake hands and politely maintain a conversation. Well master this with the help of role-playing games.
- Help your child make friends. First time help join the game in the yard, arrange children's parties. Support the child in the desire to join any group of children, develop leadership skills in it.
- Teach your baby how to stand up for yourself. Try to learn to act independently in conflict situations, for example, when they tease their peers. Look for answers in specialized literature and do not neglect playing typical situations with a child.
- Provide opportunities for the child to communicate, to practice acquired social skills. Each small step helps to reach the goal.
- Explain that it is not necessary to be the soul of the company, but it is important to have a good friend. The main thing is that the child feels necessary and important for someone. Communicating with one or two people, it is easier to join a more numerous company.
- Help overcome fear. If a child has inner fears, do not ignore them. Children who try to keep feelings in themselves often suffer from all sorts of disorders. Consult with a psychologist to get rid of the problems associated with shyness.
Experts identify different manifestations of shyness. Some children, whom parents consider shy, are very sensitive and dependent on the opinions of others. Others are introverts, they sometimes need to be alone. And the third children are so absorbed in their own projects and ideas that they push communication to the background. And finally, there are children who really feel awkward or anxious at most social contacts. The main thing is to try to understand your child, his feelings and the causes of shyness.
