Socializing shy children might seem like a challenge.
While some kids are outgoing little fireballs, yours prefers to hang back and do her own thing. And while there's nothing wrong with being introverted, it's natural for parents to worry their child lacks confidence and is lagging in terms of social development.
Fortunately, there are ways to help your children build strong relationships with their friends and classmates. Read on to learn some tips for socializing shy children.
1. Don't Be Afraid To Start Small
Early on, expose your child to different positive peer interactions, a little at a time.
2. Get There Early
If possible, take your child to meet their teacher/advisor before a new school year or an extracurricular program begins, so that they can get comfortable with the setting and familiar with the routine.
3. Talk To Their Teachers
Make sure your child's teacher knows about their shyness. It won't be their first experience with socializing shy children. Keep in touch with them through the school year to track your child's progress, or any problems that arise.
4. Use Your Home Field Advantage
Your kids may feel more comfortable at home, so encourage at-home play dates at first. Have their friend back a few times until your son or daughter is comfortable with them, and gradually add more friends over time.
5. Rehearse With Them
Set the scene for their social gatherings to help relieve their fear of the unknown. Before the next birthday party or family reunion, talk about what will happen: This is who will be there, this is what we'll do. Ask them "What else might you do?" "What other things do you think you'll see?"
6. Play Pretend
It may help to act out scenarios with your child to help them prepare for, say, meeting a new child at school. Let them play themselves and the other child, or use puppets or dolls if that makes them more comfortable. Talk about how they are feeling, and remember that repeating these dress rehearsals will help them build confidence.
7. Do Your Research
Look for children's books about characters who overcame their shyness. Read them with your child, and talk to them about the lessons of the book and how it connects to them.
8. Listen
Don't assume you know how your son or daughter feels. Take the time to listen to them. They may be unnerved in settings that are too loud or crowded. Don't dismiss their concerns. Ask open ended questions that encourage dialogue.
9. Get Help
If your child's shyness doesn't get better – or gets worse – you may want to talk to their doctor about the difference between short-term shyness and social anxiety disorder, which can keep children from typical social development.
10. Be Positive
Avoid teasing, embarrassing or even chastising your child. And do your best to not label your child as shy. Offer positive reinforcement when they're acting shy. And keep in mind: he or she may always be timid, but with patience and practice, they can learn to navigate most social situations, even if they end up being the quietest person in the room. Which is ok!
At Swingset & Toy Warehouse, we're happy to help parents find their way, whether they're concerned about giving their kids healthy snacks or socializing shy children.
Visit our blog to find more parenting strategies, and shop our online catalogue to find outdoor playsets that will help your kids with playdate ideas and imaginative play.
