Parenting shy kids require lots of understanding and patience. Here are some tips to help your shy kid. Helping shy children to open up is not difficult but it requires understanding your kid.
- You need to first identify whether your child is shy or not. As the behavior of introverted babies appears to say:
— Introvert babies can be identified easily as most of the time they move away from strangers, bright lights, sounds, etc. On the other hand extroverts enjoy being held even by people other than their parents.
— Some shy kids do not like other people entering 'their territory' or touching their bodies and toys.
— Many shy babies prefer solitude or playing only with people whom they recognize or know very well.
— You can easily find an introvert child stare intensely at an unfamiliar face. This is their way of taking people on their own terms.
- Now when you know that your child is shy do not feel embarrassed because it is not a disorder. Your child is same as other children of his/her age but a little introvert.
- Make a list of the kinds of things you would like your child to feel comfortable doing such as talking with other children, asking for help from store clerks, making phone calls, etc and make a point of doing these things in front of your child as well.
- Be friendly with everyone including your child. Smile routinely, say hi and greet the people you see as you go through your day. This will help your child to understand that this is what they should while meeting people.
- Enroll your child in some social skills classes and let your children bring back the things they learn from class and share them with family and friends. Let them practice their new found handshake, conversation and introduction skills with friends and family.
- You must understand that you are blessed with a sensitive, deeply caring & reserved child who is slow to warm up to strangers, approaches social relationships cautiously, but seems to be a happy person. Just hug your quiet child & try to understand the fact that the world will be a gentler place because of him or her.
- Arrange get togethers for your children when they are young and seek out safe places for your children to interact with others and practice social skills as they get older (e.g., volunteer work, tutoring younger children, clubs and other structured activities with supportive group leaders).
- Never ever force them to do things rather try to convince them politely. They will understand gradually what you want them to do.
- If you want your shy child to perform something in party or any other get together ask them first. Do not expect from your shy child that they can start performing whenever & wherever you want them to. You have to prepare them & let them practice for it.
Well now you have enough pointers to help your shy kid to open up. Parenting shy kids is not tough, just try to understand them & you will surely notice some positive change in their behavior.