Though some children are social butterflies, others are shy. If your little one doesn’t feel comfortable talking to peers and educators in their preschool program, there are several ways you can help them feel more at ease in social settings. Use the following guide to encourage them to break out of their shell.

4 Ways to Encourage a Preschooler to Talk More

1. Show Empathy

If you’ve ever experienced shyness or difficulty adapting to social settings, let your little one know.

When you empathize with them, they don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed about being shy. They’re more likely to observe how you’ve overcome your own fears and mimic your behavior. 

2. Play Games

Role-playing games are helpful for learning how to act in social situations.

Use puppets or dolls to practice what people might say or do in different interactions that cause them stress. You may also act out hypothetical scenarios, such as sharing toys with classmates, answering phones, or asking teachers questions about assignments. 

3. Give Them a Heads Up

Try to anticipate situations that might cause social anxiety for your child and mentally prepare them.

For example, you can tell them about who will be at a party or where the event takes place. Knowing what to expect makes people feel more relaxed.

4. Practice Words & Sounds

Sometimes children don’t want to be social because they don’t know how to express themselves. Practicing words and sounds helps young ones feel more comfortable communicating.

When you do daily activities, such as bathing, eating, and getting dressed, have your kids talk about the activities. This forces them to associate words with actions and expands their vocabulary.

Help your child build their social skills and make friends by sending them to Mendon Child Care Center. This child care center provides enrichment and day care to infants, toddlers, and school-aged kids throughout Mendon, NY, and the Honeoye Falls Area. Their preschool programs introduce children to whole-class instruction, small group interactions, and peer-to-peer activities. Call (585) 624-2337 to ask about their child care curriculum, or visit the website to learn more about their preschool programs.