If you’re a parent you know that every kid is distinct from one other. Each of them demonstrates unique personality and behavioural traits. While some of them are extroverted and mingle seamlessly with their peers, there are few kids who feel quite anxious to make new friends. Generally, these types of kids avoid socialising and indulging in effective communication. If you have a shy kid then you know that the struggle is real. 

Such kids require extreme care and attention from their parents, teachers and peers. Apart from this, schools and parents need to also conduct multiple activities to remove shyness and impart confidence in a shy kid. Being a leading educational institution in Vaishali, we understand this concern and hence have come up with a few simple activities for shy kids which you can try at home and get them involved in group tasks. Subsequently, these activities are regularly practised at K.R. Mangalam World School, Vaishali by trained teachers who are constantly available to mentor the students. Continue reading further to know how you can remove shyness from a shy kid and help them to socialise with others. 

How Can You Support A Shy Kid?

As a parent, you are willing to give your 100% to remove shyness and anxiety from your kid. However, you must understand that it’s not an overnight journey and it’s a long process. You have to be constantly patient with your kid and have to support them in every situation whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Here are some ways through which you can help a shy kid to come out of their introverted shell and enjoy their life. 

• Accepting their nature: As we all know that every child possesses different capabilities. Henceforth, firstly you must accept them the way they are and let them be their original self. By opting for this approach, you will allow them to think differently and formulate new ideas. 

• Understanding their behaviour: Make the effort to know about their behavioural changes. If your child often gets moody or cranky often then find out the prominent reason behind their mood swings. Let them know that there’s always a first time and there’s nothing wrong in being an introvert. 

• Setting an example: Young kids often learn from their parents. If you communicate efficiently and put forward your opinions, your child will eventually learn from you. Consider participating regularly in events and taking your child along with you. Always demonstrate positive and confident behaviour around your child. 

• Know their interest: Kids are generally more interested to participate in those activities which interests them the most. Talk to them and know about their likes and dislikes. Once you get to know their interest, introduce them to an activity or get them enrolled in a workshop related to their hobbies.  

• Developing a routine: Generally, kids are likely to be less introverted if they’re prepared in advance. Parents should start teaching kids at home about forming connections with peers, positive behaviour etc. One should also make their kids familiar with the food eating and hygiene habits. 
• Not labeling them: It’s seen that the more you label them as a shy kid they’re more likely to feel demotivated. Thus, prefer to treat them in a normal manner and avoid using harsh words. Treat them with uttermost love and care. If required, take them to a professional counselor for a therapy session. 

Your child will gain confidence and will be highly motivated if you start helping them by opting for the above mentioned practices. Although, if still there’s no improvement then you can try these additional methods. 

• Motivate them to try new things

• Conducting role play

• Create a safe environment

• Encouraging them to build new connections

• Ask them to provide input

• Offering a reward

Try These 5 Activities To Help Your Shy Kid 

Presently, at KRMWS we believe in creating a safe environment for shy children where they flourish with confidence, build strong connections and navigate complex challenges with resilience. To facilitate this, we practise these activities at our school through which students become more expressive. Parents must also try these activities at home for their child’s speedy progress and overall development. 

Teach Them a New Instrument 

Your child is likely to make new friends if they’re a part of a music class or group. Within the classroom, the child will not only learn about playing a musical instrument but will also interact frequently with their peers. However, before you proceed to enroll your kid into a music class make sure to ask them which instrument interests them and accordingly get them enrolled in a music class. The end result of this activity is that your child will make new friends and will become more cheerful. 

Allow Them to Read Books 

Above all, reading is the best activity to overcome shyness. You must encourage your child to read different types of books on eliminating shyness. Additionally, this activity will also enhance your child’s vocabulary and will make them more confident. Here are some of the must read books:

• Maude: The Not-So-Noticeable Shrimpton 

• The Invisible Boy 

• Shy 

• Evan’s Corner 

• When No One Is Watching 

• Middle Grade 

• Willow’s Whispers

• Hound Dog True 

• King Of The Wind 

• The Lost Twin 

• Call It Courage 

Mandala Making Session 

It’s a colourful activity filled with colors. You need to provide various types of colorful sheets or printed mandala sheets to your child along with colors. Mandalas are intricate designs with beautiful patterns. In comparison to all the other activities, this promotes creativity amongst the children. One is likely to be more calm and focused during this activity and will enjoy it to the fullest. While your kid is performing this activity, ask them about their favourite color and design whilst guiding them about the importance of focus and peace. 

Organise a Puppet Show 

Collect different types of socks, clothes, paper bags and sticks to create a puppet show. Decorate all the pieces together to form puppets. Ask your child to assist you and know their opinion. Put on a puppet show on making new friends, gaining confidence, effective communication etc. By participating in a puppet show your child will learn about diversified social skills necessary for survival. 

Play World Building Activity 

For this activity, you need to fill sand in a sand tray and put some miniature toys on it. Provide them the sand tray and guide them to create a sand world on the sand tray with the help of those toys. Now while they’re busy in their own world, try talking to them gently and ask open-ended questions to them. Listen to their answers carefully to analyse their emotional state and personal behaviour. 

Conclusion 

In young kids, shyness is a common behavioural trait. Although, parents and teachers can easily remove this trait from a shy kid by practising certain meaningful activities. The right approach will get an introverted child out of their comfort zone and will allow them to become more productive. Eventually, they will also interact with their peers and will participate frequently in different activities. Above all, give them enough time to open up and empathize with their nervousness. This way, they will open up at a steady pace but once they get out of their shell there’s no looking back. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does KRMWS help a shy kid?

We opt for a positive approach where we allow the students to be their own self. Later on, we conduct a behavioural analysis based on which we implement activities to remove shyness from them.

Are there any art therapy activities for a shy kid?

Mandala making, art journaling and emotional art exploration are some of the popular art activities to try with introverted kids. 

How can a parent help a shy kid eliminate shyness?

You can help your child to overcome shyness by implementing varied types of playful activities and letting them know that nothing is wrong in being an introvert. 

Which book is best for a shy kid?

The Invisible Boy is the best book for anxious kids. Upon reading this book students will know about the prominent importance of forming long-lasting friendships.