Article Summary: The Shy Child

Source: Sears, W. (2013). Ask dr. sears: Shy kid . Retrieved from http://www.parenting.com/article/ask-dr-sears-shy-kid

Article Summary: Children who are shy and tend to be comfortable around children their own age than adults because of the big difference between peers and adults. Adults are a bigger stature, and carries themselves differently than children in the way they talk and act. Infants generally have stranger anxiety, between ages two-four children may go through similar stranger anxiety again. Instead of apologizing for a child being “shy” instead if anything is said say “reserved” or “private.” Children who are shy tend to be deep thinkers and slow to trust strangers; saying “sorry, he or she is sky,” implies it is a flaw; but is definitely not. Help children learn good eye contact skills; make eye contact with the child it shows good communication skills and how to pay attention. Point out a talent the child has and have them show an adult. Do not make a big show out of it, but let show off their talent in a way they are comfortable with, it may be singing in front of friends or telling a story. Children are more at ease when are having fun! If an adult is playing a game with them or reading a fun story, children are usually more engaged. Shy children generally like to go by one of their parents and stay with them, talking to the parent first and seeing parents at ease sends a message to the child that this person is okay and makes them more comfortable. The child is able to see that having conversations with one another can be fun and start interacting themselves.