See how you can boost your child’s confidence if they are shy:

• Try to understand the source of their shyness: It is crucial, as a parent, to search for and identify where your child’s introversion stems from so that you can help them. After all, to solve a problem, you must first locate its root. Many children struggle to express themselves and are shy due to various experiences they have had at school or even at home. Therefore, engaging in dialogue will help the child express their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to move forward more effectively.

• Discover their positive traits and talents together: Every child “hides” certain aspects that you need to help them uncover, so they can learn what they enjoy and what they are good at. This journey of self-discovery will boost their confidence and, naturally, make them feel special.
• Encourage them to socialize with other children: Interacting with other kids—especially if there are no siblings—outside of a school environment is more than necessary. It not only helps boost their confidence but also makes them more social and teaches them to coexist and share, such as sharing their toys. Playing with other children will surely help them gradually “open up” and find their footing with those around them.
• Avoid labeling: Labels often target and marginalize individuals, so it’s good to teach your child that it’s important not to label others and not to accept labels uncritically. Additionally, calling them “shy” or “introverted” does not help—in fact, it does the opposite. Instead, encourage them to take initiatives without pressure and remind them of the times they were brave or more outgoing.

Follow these tips and see how easily your child can become more outgoing and social, leaving behind the “chains” of shyness.

Foteini Adriana Stamogiorgou