If your child is shy, they might be nervous and quiet around other children despite being talkative when alone with you. Shyness often results from an overactive amygdala, leading to a fight-or-flight response to social situations. When your child is ready for day care, their shyness might cause additional concern. Help them step out of their comfort zone and create a rewarding social life with the following tips.

4 Tips for Helping a Shy Child

1. Support Your Child's Interests

Shy children often focus on their anxieties. They talk themselves out of communicating with others, and as a result, lose chances to further their social skills. By supporting your child in pursuing their interests, you'll help them find a distraction from their discomforts.

When they land on the right activity, they’ll be thrilled to share it with others. It's the perfect way to start a conversation with others. Support comes in many forms, from reading your child a favorite book to taking them to the museum. Showing your interest in their passions will make them more open to sharing their thoughts and feelings with others.

2. Be Attentive 

Talking through feelings, such as anxiety, can reduce the amygdala's fight-or-flight response over time. Encourage your child to share their feelings and listen attentively when they do.

Acknowledge their concerns and share your own experiences of shyness. These conversations will help your child process and change their emotional reactions.

3. Be Positive

Shyness often results from negativity and self-criticism. A child who sees situations more optimistically will have an easier time breaking out of their shell. For example, you might compliment your child on their behavior during a play date, or teach them to match every negative thought with a positive one.

4. Practice Social Scripts

When your child feels unprepared, their imagination might run wild with negative scenarios. Ease their anxieties by practicing different social situations they’ll encounter at day care, like meeting a new student.

Take turns playing the new kid so your child will start to see they aren't alone in their worries. Help them brainstorm questions they can ask to get to know a new friend or phrases to use to express their interest. 

Guilford Child Development in Greensboro, NC, ensures each child has a positive and productive day care experience. Since 1967, this group of community organizations has provided affordable early childhood development programs. They reach over 5000 families a year with initiatives such as Head Start, Catering for Kids, and Learning Together Family Literacy. Call (336) 887-8224 to learn more about their services. Read more about the development center online.