Being timid or lacking confidence can leave kids feeling isolated. They may not try new things or meet new people. That means they may miss out on important opportunities.
Children can be timid for many reasons. Some are simply born with more cautious personalities. Others have learned to be afraid of failure or rejection. In either situation, your child’s temperament is not set in stone.
According to Dr. Vanessa LoBue, who wrote on this topic for Psychology Today, “A child’s temperament can change, and babies’ negative reactions to new people, objects, and situations can become less extreme over time.”
As a parent, you can help your child break out of their shell and develop the confidence they need to try new things.
Don’t Force Change Too Quickly
There’s nothing wrong with being a little shy. Timidity only becomes a problem if you and your child feel that it’s holding them back in life and that they’re unable to reach goals or participate in new activities. Keep this in mind before you decide to make a change.
If you try to force your timid child into new situations too quickly, you might make the problem worse. To feel confident, your child needs to develop a history of positive experience in new situations. That usually means starting small.
Encourage Independence In Your Timid Child
On the other hand, if you shelter your child and hold their hand in every uncertain situation, they’ll never learn to be confident without you. While you may be able to be there for their first soccer game or playdate, you won’t be able to accompany them to their first job interview. It’s crucial that they learn to be confident in themselves.
To achieve that aim, assure them of your love and support, but encourage them to tackle new situations by themselves. For example, if your child is nervous to go to a friend’s house, let them know they can call you to pick them up if they really have to, but that it’s important they do their best to overcome their anxiety and enjoy their time with their friend.
Plan for Potential Challenges
To manage your child’s anxiety, discuss their worries and what they can do about them. You might ask your child what they’re most worried might happen if they go to a friend’s house. Listen carefully to what they say and explore potential solutions.
For example, if they’re worried they’ll be homesick, set a predetermined time that you’ll return to pick them up. Your child may find it reassuring to know that they can look forward to seeing you soon.
Build Confidence in Safe Situations
Volunteering is a great way for your child to build confidence in new situations. Volunteer alongside them for the first session to help them adjust and make sure it’s a safe situation before encouraging them to go on their own. Most volunteering organizations designate a mentor to guide new volunteers until they adjust. This creates an overall positive experience and can help your child feel confident doing an activity on their own.
Give Your Timid Child Tools For Confidence
LeadYouth can help your child build confidence without even leaving the house. Through a system of online courses, small-group sessions, and independent practice, we teach our learners to believe in themselves no matter what. When your child improves communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence skills they unlock the self confidence they need to succeed at any goal they set. Sign your child up for LeadYouth today.
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