Is Your Child Shy? – By Rekha
How To Help Your Shy Child Overcome The Shyness! – Written By Rekha Manchandia
Some children keep quiet always, don’t mix with other children, sulk in a corner when visitors visit their home, never ask any questions in class & neither answer any, even after knowing the right answer. If you find these traits in your child, then your child is shy.
Why are some children so shy?
It is a personality trait. But sometimes it can be an acquired behaviour also, due to some fear or a bad family atmosphere. In both cases, it is possible to bring change in the child & help him/her to shed his/her shyness.
It is better to work on your child before he/she enters their teen. First and foremost thing is, you need the cooperation of his/her teachers. Here are certain tips to help your child:
# Don’t laugh at, make fun or insult your child.
# Patiently give an ear to your child, whenever he/she wants to speak to you.
# If he/she asks any silly questions in front of others, don’t get irritated or mock them. Try to give some reasonable answers.
# If you don’t know the answer to something he is asking you, tell him so. Tell him that you will find out the answer for him/her & then reply.
# Sometimes, children innocently reveal some family issues in front of guests. Scolding them may instil fear in them & they’ll hesitate to talk in front of people.
# Activities like dance, drama & sports help shy kids open up.
# Invite neighbouring kids to your home to play with your kid. Organise fun games for them.
# Play games like carrom, chess & card games with your child as much as possible. It will break the barrier between you & the child, as well as help him/her open up with you.
# If this also doesn’t work, fix a 20- 30 minutes time as family SHARING time, where each member of the family has to share their day’s experience. This will give your child a platform to express himself/herself & motivate him/her to talk.
Rekha Manchandia
Postgraduate in Mathematics & Psychology
Psychological Counselor with more than 24 years of experience