Shyness in children is a natural thing, but that doesn’t mean allow. Because self-confidence sometimes doesn’t come naturally. How to help a shy child socialize. Parents need to apply parenting styles that can increase self-confidence in shy children.
Starting from validating the child’s feelings, listening to the child without cutting his sentences, to creating alone time to talk with the child.
Some children are easy to adapt to a new environment, but there are also those who need a long time because of their shy nature. Actually, shame is a natural feeling that your little one has. However, if shyness makes him avoid socializing, parents need to apply parenting patterns that can increase self-confidence in shy children.
It should be understood also, there is another reason for a child to be shy, namely that they are afraid to talk. The child may feel that his words will be criticized, or it could be because the child has a lack of confidence, so he feels less intelligent.
As a parent, here are some ways how to help a shy child socialize:
- Let the Child Complete the Sentence.
Many parents mean well when they interrupt their child’s sentences. May offer good thoughts and ideas to the child. However, it is basically best to let the child finish the sentence.
Interrupting the child’s sentence will only undermine the child’s confidence. Children may feel that what they are saying is uninteresting or unimportant. So, try to get parents to add ideas after the child has finished the sentence.
- Validate Children’s Feelings
Most children are shy about some things, so it’s important to help your child feel supported. Avoid ignoring the child’s feelings of shame. Talk with your child about why he or she feels shy and how she can overcome any anxiety or fear.
It might also be good to be able to share experiences that parents have had with feelings of shame. Because it will help them feel more secure in sharing their feelings. Communication that acknowledges a child’s feelings is the foundation for a lifelong parent-child relationship.
- Give Encouragement and Enthusiasm
How to help your shy child make friends. Socializing and making friends don’t come naturally to everyone, and can be a big challenge for some kids. Parents need to provide encouragement by praising each child’s positive steps. This is a good way to label positive behavior. Consider that any encouragement to social situations is still within the child’s comfort zone and safety zone.
- Listen, Kids
It’s natural for children to want to share, especially with people they trust. Their parents, for example. If your child feels that it’s safe to share stories with parents (i.e. they won’t be criticized or interrupted, and they can finish sentences), then listen to their openness. Notice that their personalities are beginning to develop.
- Talking alone with children
Allowing alone time between the child and the parent is a great way to encourage a positive relationship. Connecting with your child will help him feel safe with himself and build his self-esteem.
Talk time alone with children should be used to do something the child likes. Try not to interrupt so that the child gets his or her full and undivided attention.
Shy children still have the ability to build self-confidence. He can also learn to feel more in a new environment and interact with his peers.
Parents need to offer children various opportunities to “get out of the world” and explore social situations. Both planned and unplanned. For example, playing with other children in the park, joining a sports team, or participating in any positive activity group.
Tanpa dorongan ini, anak-anak pemalu tidak akan melawan kecenderungan alami mereka untuk menari sendiri dan terhalang untuk mendapatkan pengalaman sosial yang berharga. Hal ini tentunya baik untuk mempersiapkan mereka menghadapi lingkungan sosial seperti sekolah hingga dunia kerja di masa depan.
Jika ibu kesulitan meningkatkan rasa percaya diri anak, coba tanyakan ke psikolog anak.