Raising a shy and introverted kid could cause tremendous amounts of worry for parents. However, new studies claim that having an innately shy kid should not cause alarm as it is a phase almost all children go through.
According to Dr. Larry Curry, child and family therapist, 20-48 percent of normal children show signs of shyness. He explained that more than a developmental milestone and social interaction problem, shyness is actually more of a problem for the parents or adults who see it.
However, he further explained that shyness due to a traumatic event in a child's life should never be taken lightly as it could lead to more problems later on.
Watch his full interview with Fox 31 Denver.
Other child health professionals, through a report from Today's Parent seem to echo what Dr. Curry said, adding that parents sometimes unknowingly contribute to their children's shyness by labeling them as such at the onset.
"Don't label the child as 'shy' or make him feel bad about what he isn't doing," Psychotherapist and parenting educator Andrea Nair said.
Retired teacher, counsellor and author Michael Reist seconded the thought by saying, "When parents or other adults make attempts to correct shyness, the child hears the message that he doesn't fit in. Instead, we should be teaching him that it's OK if he isn't the same as everyone else."
"When these children come into our lives, we should take special care of them. They're not disordered or deficient," he added. "In fact, their sensitivity is a great gift."
"Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" author Susan Cain also reiterated that parents should not try to control every situation for the benefit of their shy kids.
"Parents shouldn't overprotect quiet children, but they should understand that these kids have a longer runway before they're comfortable enough to take off and fly," she said.
Do you have a shy child? How do you deal with the situation? Let us know in the comments section below.
