How to give psychological support to a shy child?

Shyness is not a negative factor, but a characteristic that describes a personality trait of a shy child. Therefore, it is positive that the family environment respects the needs of the child in their interaction with the environment. That is, it is important to understand that he has his own rhythm in those situations that have a social component.

Although shyness is not a negative factor, it can condition the way in which a person relates to others. Especially if you always stay in your comfort zone because it gives you a greater sense of security. The childhood period represents a stage of evolution and essential learning. For example, it is very positive that children practice social skills in everyday life. And how to support a shy child?

• Related article: "Extreme shyness: what it is, causes, and how to overcome it"

Tips to give psychological support to a shy child

Keep these recommendations and guidelines in mind to know what to do when giving (non-professional) psychological support to a child who suffers from shyness problems.

1. Don't constantly remind him of his shyness

It is important not to label a way of being based on a particular trait. Shyness does not absolutely describe the personal essence. As you can see, the child has other qualities and characteristics. If you regularly repeat that he is shy or highlight this information in front of other people, you leave other factors that are also valuable in the background.

• You may be interested in: "Children's therapy: what is it and what are its benefits"

2. Facilitates discovery and participation in new spaces

The child feels especially cared for and protected in the family environment. It is advisable to enrich the daily routine with the discovery of new spaces that can facilitate meeting other children. For example, the little one can participate in an extracurricular activity that excites him.

He can also enjoy reading in the children's area of ​​the neighborhood library. The games in the park are also very positive. It is recommended that the child expand his comfort zone with new spaces with which he gradually becomes familiar.

3. Encourage and cultivate the habit of reading at home

Reading books, poems and children's stories provides much more than a source of cultural entertainment. The reader acquires valuable lessons about personal relationships through stories involving various characters. That is to say, discover that each person is truly unique.

4. Accompany your emotions

Although shyness is not negative, it can happen that the child experiences some discomfort in some social events or group plans. However, the perspective changes when he begins to become familiar with such experiences. That is, when they stop being an extraordinary event in his routine. It is very important that you have empathy with him. Do not give him instructions on how he has to act in front of others. Respect his pace and trust that he has his own resources and abilities to deal with the process.

Be patient: accompany his emotions and feelings with affection, closeness, love, listening and respect. Don't overprotect him, but remind him that he can always count on you. Do not place specific expectations on him about how you think he should behave in front of others: there is no single correct way to act. Give him his space to be himself.

5. It is positive that he can invite a friend to play at home

The family environment represents a space of security and protection. The house is an environment of well-being, creativity and family time. The child knows every detail of the space that surrounds him and has the opportunity to play with her toys. Thus, the home offers the ideal context to develop social skills in a framework of trust.

Usually, a shy child prefers to play with a few people rather than being in a large group. For this reason, it is recommended that he have the possibility to invite those friends with whom he feels most comfortable. Playtime creates a meeting point with others.

6. Discover the value of planning at key moments

There are very simple actions you can take to help a shy child. Planning can often make a positive difference in a particular experience. For example, if the child has received an invitation to attend a children's event, it is especially important that he be at the right place at the right time. In this way, he will be one of the first guests to arrive at the party.

Punctuality can help you positively in special events but also in the daily routine. Keep in mind that he feels especially uncomfortable when he becomes the center of attention after arriving several minutes late and being greeted by many people.

How to help a shy child? Observe their potential, their abilities and their learning capacity. Do not use labels that can limit him in a negative way. Does shyness condition her quality of life at numerous times? So, talk to a psychology expert and ask for specialized help.