The Painfully Shy Preschoolers
Shy preschoolers can find social situations very stressful. These children can be very talkative in the privacy of their own home but once they are out in the real world, become very insecure.
Most shy children are born that way and over-sensitivity to new people and situations have been linked to genetics because shy preschoolers need lots of encouragement. Planning play dates will take extra preparation. There is no simple way to get a shy child to come out of her shell.
If you push too hard your child will resist even more, my child had a tendency to stay by my side at play dates and parties. I have to set some ground rules about acceptable behavior in advance. I would clearly explain my plan to my son on the way over. I would say, you can stay with me for a few minutes, but I want you to play with other children or no sitting on my lap the entire time.
Here are ways to help your child feel more comfortable, find a great preschool, shy children can blossom in the right environment. Try to choose a program that has low student teacher ratios. Let the teacher know about your child's shyness.
Give your child a few days to get ready for new experiences. Listen patiently, you can say feeling shy can be difficult or sometimes I need time to warm up too. Try role playing or make a game out of acting out different scenarios with your child. Such as meeting a new kid at school.
Try not to label your child as shy, reframe your words and instead say, you just need some time to warm up. Let your child see that you view socializing as a fun part of everyday life. Be patient. Although helping your child feel at ease in new situations may take a little extra planning. The result will last till lifetime.
Doctor Swallow, the author of "The Shy Child: Helping Children Triumph over Shyness" states, "Although we often think of shyness as a social handicap. Shy children tend to grow up into sensitive, empathic adults." "They have such a rich internal world," she says, they spend time analyzing, while people do the things they do and they have a wonderful imagination."
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