Each week our amazing group of mommies answer questions and I share them with yall. I love reading the answers and getting to know other mommas. The thing is no one really reads or comments on the posts. Dont get me wrong.. thats NOT what its all about, but I do put a lot of work into my blog so I want to make sure that what Im sharing is of some interest to others.
So in my infinite wisdom [ha! I kid!] Im moving the Mommy Panel to our private Facebook group. Its only private because thats how groups are.. so feel free to join! There will be two more questions before its completely moved to the group page.
Our question this week :
What is a good way to get a shy child to want to try new things especially in front of other people?
Natalia – I am not sure I am an authority on this, but I guess I would say lots of love and encouragement and trying new things in controlled environments. Lots of reassuring and support I suppose. But my kids never stop talking and hug perfect strangers, so I am definitely the wrong person to ask!
Kristine – Totally engage in the activity with all the excitement you can muster. Don’t be afraid to get in there and show them how fun it is, they will most likely then try it out themselves.
Liz – Please don’t try to force them. Seriously, I speak from experience. I’ve always been an introvert and hated when people would try to pressure me to do things in front of other people if I wasn’t comfortable.
The best thing to do is praise whatever behavior or activity when your child does it on their own. Positive reinforcement is much more effective than being pushed.
There’s a great book out right now called “”Quiet – The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking””. While it isn’t a parenting book per se, it may help you understand your child’s point of view. Even I learned quite a bit about myself as I read it. Read more here.
Meredith – Maybe try the new thing first, so your child can see that you’re not afraid to do it!? My little one is only one, so he’ll pretty much do anything right now! Haha!!
Janetteb – Gosh, this is something I deal with regarding my 4 year old son. I recall having professional pictures taken and thought they were super cute, so I submitted them to a modeling agency. They called asking for us to come in and have an interview and take a head shot to be considered. As soon as he got in front of them, he had his fingers in his mouth, and his head buried in my side. He wouldn’t answer their questions. It was a waste of time for all. I have no idea how to get past this shy phase. I think even as an adult, there are times I am more shy than others- so I think a lot of it has to do with environment and how comfortable you feel in it.
Missy – The best way to get a shy child to try new things is to have someone else do it first that they like. It does not always work though. I tend to let Megan try new things at her own pace as I did not want to force her. Eventually she just realized her siblings were having so much fun and she missed out so she wanted to try also.
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Hey y'all!I'm Kelley. I'm a recipe making, picture taking, coffee drinking momma to 4 crazy kiddos. Join me as I share our family favorite dinners and my copycat coffee drinks too!
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Courtenay says
Story of my life!! Having a more outgoing friend or cousin to show her how not scary something is usually helps. Getting her to talk to anyone new is just impossible though! Oh well, everyone is different. I figure she'll work it out on her own with some encouragement and the best thing to do is to just try not to traumatize her about it now.
Daniela says
My children are not shy…at all! Especially #2. She never met a stranger, and really that is kind of scary for me!
Schulz Family says
Visiting from the foley farm blog hop. Great to see your blog