Shyness is not a negative factor, but rather a characteristic that describes a personality trait of a shy child. Therefore, it is positive that the family environment respects the needs of the child in their interaction with the environment. That is, it is important to understand that he has his own rhythm in those situations that have a social component.
Although shyness is not a negative factor, it can affect the way a person relates to others. Especially if you always stay in your comfort zone because it gives you a greater feeling of security. The period of childhood represents a stage of evolution and essential learning. For example, it is very positive for children to practice social skills in everyday life. And how to support a shy child?
Tips to provide psychological support to a shy child
Keep these recommendations and guidelines in mind to know what to do when providing psychological support (non-professional) to a child who suffers from shyness problems.
1. Don’t constantly remind him of his shyness
It is important not to label a way of being based on a particular trait Shyness does not absolutely describe the personal essence. As you can see, the child has other qualities and characteristics. If you habitually repeat to him that he is shy or highlight this information to other people, you leave other factors that are also valuable in the background.
2. Facilitates discovery and participation in new spaces
The child feels especially cared for and protected in the family environment. It is advisable to enrich the daily routine with the discovery of new spaces that can facilitate meeting other children. For example, the child can participate in an extracurricular activity that excites him.
You can also enjoy reading in the children’s area of the neighborhood library. The games in the park are also very positive. It is recommended that the child expand his comfort zone with new spaces with which he becomes familiar gradually.
3. Encourage and cultivate the habit of reading at home
Reading books, poems and children’s stories provides much more than a source of cultural entertainment. The reader acquires valuable lessons about personal relationships through stories involving several characters. That is to say, discover that each person is truly unique
4. Accompany your emotions
Although shyness is not negative, it may happen that the child experiences some discomfort at some social events or in group plans. However, the perspective changes when she begins to become familiar with those types of experiences. That is, when they stop being an extraordinary fact in her routine. It is very important that you have empathy with him. Don’t give him instructions on how he should act in front of others. He respects his pace and trusts that he has his own resources and abilities to deal with the process.
Be patient: accompany their emotions and feelings with affection, closeness, love, listening and respect Don’t be overprotective of her, but remind her that she can always count on you. Don’t place specific expectations on him about how you think he should behave in front of others: there is no single right way to act. Give him the space to be himself.
5. It is positive that you can invite a friend to play at home
The family environment represents a space of security and protection. The house is an environment of well-being, creativity and family time. The child knows every detail of the space around him and has the opportunity to play with his toys. Thus, The home offers the ideal context to develop social skills in a framework of trust
Usually, a shy child prefers to play with a few people rather than being in a large group. For this reason, it is recommended that he have the possibility of inviting those friends with whom he feels most comfortable. Playtime creates a meeting point with others.
6. Discover the value of planning at key moments
There are very simple actions that you can take to help a shy child. Planning can often make a positive difference in a particular experience. For example, if the child has received an invitation to attend a children’s event, It is especially important that you are in the right place at the right time This way, he will be one of the first guests to arrive at the party.
Punctuality can positively help you in special events but also in your daily routine. Keep in mind that he feels especially uncomfortable when he becomes the center of attention after arriving several minutes late and being greeted by many people.
How to help a shy child? Observe their potential, their skills and their learning capacity. Don’t use labels that can limit you in a negative way. Does shyness affect her quality of life at numerous times? So, talk to a psychology expert and ask for specialized help.
