Tips for parents
- Avoid labeling.
- Never criticize or mock your child when they are shy. Be supportive,
empathetic and understanding. - Encourage your child to talk about the reasons for their shyness – what are
they afraid of? - Tell your child about times in your life when you have been shy and how you
overcame it. - Be outgoing yourself. Model confident behavior.
- Share personal coping strategies you’ve learned.
- Try goal-setting with your child. Aim for small, incremental steps and praise them for their progress.
- Deliberately take your child into new situations.
Seeking Professional Help
If your child’s shyness is especially debilitating, you may like to consider professional help from a counselor or psychologist. Treatment options include:
- Stress management
- Relaxation strategies
- Counselling sessions
- Social skills training
Where to get help:
- Your doctor (for a referral to a specialist service)
- Psychologist
- Parent Line Tel. (132-289)
- Kids Help Line Tel. (1-800-551-800)
(Better Health Channel, 2012).