Quiet and Shy – and I’m OK!
Season three of The Science of Parenting podcast has explored the many facets of temperament! The information shared each week celebrates the unique and rich gift each trait expresses! Every day brings new opportunities to master challenges and milestones. As parents watch their children grow and develop, they consider the temperament that a child possesses and other factors like family structure, siblings, and so much more.
The child who is slow to warm up – or seems inhibited when interacting in their environment may need assistance from others to explore their surroundings. Parents must consider that their own temperament and their own actions are cues to their children about how to behave. Keeping the lines of communication open and asking questions of our children can help them explore “new situations.” Asking our child to tell us:
- how they are feeling;
- what questions do they have about the new situation;
- what do you think might happen if you explore further;
- how can I help you manage this new challenge;
- could we set a goal – or simple steps to begin this new challenge?
These few questions can be the start of helping your inhibited or shy child gain the self-confidence needed to interact and explore their environment.
In the podcast, Lori and Mackenzie talk about these slow to approach kiddos and talk to expert Robert Coplan on helping those shy kids navigate the world.