Being too shy and socially withdrawn can negatively affect a person's relationships with others, his self-esteem and his risk for developing depression and severe anxiety. It is, therefore, important for parents to help their shy children overcome their social anxiety and awkwardness.
Psychologist Kenneth Roberson, PhD, shared some tips on how to boost shy children's social skills. Overcoming shyness has a positive impact on many aspects of a person's life.
1. Try to learn the root of the problem.
You need to find the source of your child's shyness in order to overcome it. Is the child getting bullied, embarrassed or abused? Try to spend a lot of time with the kid, talk to him gently and ask open-ended questions to get to the root of the problem.
2. Be empathetic and show vulnerability.
Instead of getting mad at your kid for being socially withdrawn, try to show empathy. You can express to the child that you also get worried about socializing with others because there are times when you do not know what to say or do. When shy kids realize that adults who seem to be confident also get nervous in social situations like them, there is a better chance that they will try socializing with others despite feeling anxiety.
3. Be a sociable and outgoing parent.
Parents cannot expect their kids to be outgoing if they are not outgoing themselves. "Parents serve as role models not only through direct interactions with their children, but through the examples they set with their attitude and behavior within the family and in the outside world," Livestrong explained.
4. Praise your child's efforts to socialize.
Every time you see your kid making an effort to socialize and interact with others, make sure to praise that behavior. Be clear on what is making you proud and why it is making you proud.
5. Do not label your kid.
Do not tell your child that he is a shy, socially awkward or socially withdrawn person. They might start believing the label and fulfill the image instead of changing their ways.
Always remember that there are many friendly and sociable adults today that were shy children before. Parents can make a lot of difference in changing a socially withdrawn child into a confident and outgoing person.
