Tips to Encourage Your Shy Child to Become More Outgoing
Every child has their own unique personality which should be embraced. That said, shyness is a personality trait that can possibly hinder your child from reaching her full potential. Not every kid has to be the loudest in the class or the boldest of the bunch, but helping your timid child come out of her shell will help her in her life from childhood through adulthood. Here are some techniques to overcome shyness to help your child be her very best self.
Practice Speaking Up in Restaurants
The next time you are out to eat with your child, insist that she orders what she wants to eat. It is a simple way to get her talking to others and asking for something she would like. Remind her to speak clearly and loud enough for the waiter or waitress to hear her order or else she will wind up with the wrong food – something she would not appreciate. This may seem like a small step, but it will get her more comfortable speaking to others politely and getting her point across effectively. She can follow your lead and succeed.
Role Play with Toys
The next time your child is playing with dolls, action figures, stuffed animals, or figurines, suggest that she acts out scenarios with them that may actually occur in her real life. Pretend they are in a classroom and the teacher is looking for kids to volunteer answers. You can have her put on a theatrical performance with the toys. Act out a typical day at the playground or at daycare when your child was shy in the past and see what she would have said if she were more outgoing. There are many ways you can get your child to practice speaking up with toys and soon she will feel confident enough to use these skills with her teachers and peers.
Take an Acting or Singing Class
If your child is too shy to show off her talents on her own, she may thrive when she can express herself within a group of other kids. Check out the activities calendar at your local library, house of worship, or community center for acting or singing classes, groups, or workshops for children. Not only will she meet some new friends, but she can share her voice within a group. Soon, she may just be confident enough to try out for a solo or lead role.
Do you have a shy child? Have you tried to help your child come out of his or her shell and become more outgoing? How did you do it? We’d love to hear your tips. For more information like this, please visit All My Children.
By: Melissa A. Kay
