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How can you help your shy child? Most people think they can force their children out of shyness but it may backfire and cause the symptoms to worsen. Here is how you can help your shy child.
Shyness is when you have an exaggerated sense of yourself. You feel as though everyone is thinkly badly of you or you have a fear of embarrassing yourself. If left untreated this can become a condition known as social phobia. Social phobia can be described a fear of social situations leading to the avoidance of public gatherings. Is your child shy? Here are some questions to ask yourself.
Is your child reluctant to go to social gatherings?
Does your child excessively worry about other’s opinions?
Shyness cannot be cured but it can be relieved. If you are shy, you will be shy the rest of your life. The key to treating your child is to teach your child how to cope. Show your child how to handle himself or herself in a public situation. It is important to treat your child as soon as possible. If your child progress to adulthood with this disorder, he or she may find it difficult to find a job and make new friends.
Connect with your child. Be empathetic. Let your child know that you know what it feels like. In addition, tell him or her how you use to deal with your shy situations. Whatever you do, DO NOT make your child feel bad about their shyness. This will lead to your child feeling worse and may lead to his or her behavior becoming worse. Give your child scenarios and ask what they would do in the situation and explain how they can turn the scenario around and handle it better.
Talk to your child’s teacher about their shyness. He or she may have tips on how to help your child become more outgoing.
Be a role model for you child. If you are shy, now is time to receive help for your shyness. Become more outgoing and less shy around your child. You can find help through books, meetings, and by visiting a psychiatrist.
Involve your child in more social activities such as sports, play groups, etc. You may find it helpful to enroll your child in daycare or preschool to help your child interact with others. After interacting with other children, ask your child how their day was and how they felt. In addition, give him or her methods on how to interact better the next time. However, DO NOT force your child to be in these situations. If he or she becomes agitated, forcing the situation will only make it worse.
Purchase books about dealing with shyness in your child. Visit your local library and visit the children’s section to find these books. Read them nightly to your child. You may also find it helpful to go with your child to a library reading so he or she can meet new children his or her age.
If all this fails, consult with a psychologist. They are trained to help children with these disorders.
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