How to overcome shyness: A guide for Filipino parents with shy kids!

Do you have a kid who dislikes social gatherings or who's too shy to recite in class? Check out our guide for Filipino parents on how to overcome shyness!

Help your kid overcome their shyness!

Check out this list of tips on helping your little introvert overcome their being shy!

Know your kid’s interest

Shy kids tend to keep to themselves, so pay more attention to your child. Find out what interests your kid. If your child loves martial arts, sign your little fighter up for a class. Another way to find out your kid’s interest is through good media exposure such as Discovery Channel, Tech TV, etc.

Teach your kid basic social and communication skills

Kids need to be taught how to make eye contact, smile and respond to polite chit-chat. Teach your child basic social skills by making games out of these things and practice it at home.

Teach your kid how to communicate with others. Start simple, like teaching your child about greetings – "Hi, how are you?”, "My name is…”, "Do you want to play?”, "Can I play too?”, "Hi, I like your…” – these basic conversation starters will hopefully make it easier for him to break the ice with others.

Make some friends

Find out who your little one likes getting close to. Ask the teachers in school about the other kids your child tends to sit next to in class. Find out who shares the same interest with your kid and perhaps, invite them over for a play date. You should also encourage your child to join the other kids in extra co-curricular activities after school. Stay there and make him feel safe with your presence.

Don’t use force

Don’t force your child to do something they are not comfortable with lest you end up regressing his with overcoming being shy. Let your child take his time, move at his own pace and be the one to initiate to interaction with others when ready. Make it a point to reassure him that you will be there to support him.

Improve your child’s self-esteem

Help your little darling achieve more by identifying his interest and helping him get better at things he already enjoys doing. Compliment your child for socializing with the other kids at school.

Don't push your child to perform

Some kids like telling jokes or showing off their new ability, but your shy child probably hates it. Enjoy your child without making him feel like he's only valued if he performs.

Take some risks

Take a good look at yourself. You might be the reason your kid is an introvert. Are you too protective and controlling? If you are, that could be the answer. Change your behavior, take some risks and give your little one a little freedom. Let your child feel his own strength.

Go for an outing

Take your child out to meet new people and hang out with your friends’ kids. Visit your relatives (with kids) and let your little one socialize.

Movies and books

Expose your child to films (educational ones of course). Kiddie shows like Barney and Friends can really help bring out a child’s self-esteem. Read more books such as fairy tales and mythical tales. Younger kids are more imaginative and creative therefore, stories like these can help your child step out of his shell.

Try not to criticize

Your kid might be introverted because of the criticism they got when they were young. It's natural that a child who gets a lot of criticism might shy away from the public as they think they can’t impress the world enough.

As a parent, you have to realize this and help your kid step out into society. Use positive language, be encouraging and try not to criticize unless necessary. Don’t let your little baby fear the world.

Article originally published on:

Written by

Raisa Tan

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