Shyness is not an emotion but a combination of anxiety, tension, and embarrassment. It is common for children to feel shy sometimes, but shyness severely limits their lives. When children grow up, they may either grow out of their extreme shyness or become shy adults as they age. Parents and teachers can help them overcome mild shyness. Also, search for the best high school in Ahmedabad.
Reasons of Shyness
Following are a few causes of shyness that may exist and frequently coexist:
- A kid’s inherited genetics might influence some parts of their personality.
- Most kids imitate their parents and learn from their surroundings; hence, if the parents will behave anxiously at a social gathering, the kid will mimic the same.
- Anxious and shy children may exhibit nervous behavior when they don’t feel securely attached to their parents. Likewise, parents who overprotect their children may instil fears in their children, especially in new situations.
- Children who get bullied or harshly criticized by their friends and family grow up as shy kids.
Signs a Shy kid needs help
Lack of confidence
A shy child can feel a little uneasy in some social situations. Therefore, any social difficulty exhibitted by the kid, such as when interacting with a small group of peers, could be a red flag.
Frozen in fear
When prompted to talk, children might have racing thoughts, a raised heart rate, quick breathing, a cold sweat, etc. They might feel anxious for weeks or months before the presentation is due, maybe even obsessing over it.
Feel lonely
A shy child may enjoy being alone while also feeling lonely. It might be more than shyness if the child complains about being lonely and isolate themselves from other kids.
Not Socially Aware
It is a red flag to consider if the kids are showing signs like avoiding eye contact, difficulty understanding others’ emotions, not understanding non-verbal communication, or avoiding physical contact.
Refuse to come outside from room or home
Many kids and teenagers prefer to stay in their rooms. But if the kid won’t leave the house at all, mainly to go to school, that could be a red flag that something isn’t right.
Different children exhibit shyness in different ways. For example, some shy children may hide behind their parents or be incredibly silent and say nothing. Whatever shyness means to the child, the strategies listed below can make them feel more at ease socially.
Handle the shy kids with compassion
Make the kids comfortable with love, tell them that personality difference is normal, avoid labeling them as shy children in front of others, and allow them to understand other kids by themselves.
Speak positively
As a parent, one can build their child’s image in social gatherings. Introduce the child’s positive characteristics instead of telling them they are anxious with groups. When a kid hears positive things about them, they start feeling confident.
Prepare the child beforehand
Take some time to get the children ready before any occasion. Tell them who will be attending and what might occur. They may begin to feel more at ease with the situation. Allow the kids to observe and interact with themselves.
Role-play
A shy child can benefit significantly from role-playing as they prepare for a new social environment. First, discuss various situations where the child must engage with others before you begin to play. Then, encourage the child to participate in role-plays.
Talk about feelings
Talk with the child about their feelings when they show signs of shyness. And assist them in realizing that these emotions are normal. Now, the child will feel more at ease dealing with their shyness. Once the child feels more at ease discussing their feelings, check in with them frequently. Ask them how they think before entering a new setting, and pay attention to their reaction.
Being a parent of a shy kid needs a lot of patience, and the strategies mentioned above will help the children to be more confident and explore their emotions. Apart from parents, a shy kid also needs attention in school.
The Global Indian International School, Ahemdabad, is among the best high schools focusing on students’ emotional development and a comprehensive CBSE curriculum.
However, before choosing the best CBSE school for their kids, parents must compare all the aspects like CBSE school fees, curriculum, extra-curriculum, etc., and then enrol their child.