If you are the parent of a shy or introverted child, you may be faced with the challenge of helping him to socialize and face new situations with confidence. Priscilla Gilman answers the questions of how to encourage young introverts to try new situations, as well as how to educate others about interacting with shy children. Gilman explains that the key to the first question is in encouragement. We as parents want to strive for a balance between honoring our child’s personality and providing comfort and safety, with facilitating growth and reinforcing bravery and adaptability. She encourages preparing for new people and new experiences in advance with your child: this can be done through stories that help your child to “rehearse” different scenarios he may face. She also suggests increasing familiarity and reducing novelty by having your child bring a toy, stuffed animal, or other familiar object. Move slowly and use positive past experiences as motivation for future experiences.
In regards to educating others about your shy or introverted child, letting people know about his temperament in advance may be a good route. That way, people will understand his behavior and personality without pushing him. You may also want to model ways for others to interact with your child- both in interacting gently and patiently, and also in letting him be when he needs time and space. Continue working to balance honoring your child’s introverted personality with encouraging personal growth through social interactions.
Click here to read the full article by Priscilla Gilman for Huffington Post.
