Some children are shy while some are extroverts. Some children are so involved in their own ideas that they’re simply less interested in social interaction. We all want our children to make friends easily, to feel comfortable asking questions at school, to speak up for themselves.
Most kids can learn to manage social anxiety, all they need is a little extra support.
Dr. Promilla Butani, a child specialist doctor in Delhi, guides you how to support your child if he or she is socially worried. Following are some key points:
1. Upbringing your children by noticing their needs and responding to them.
Help your sensitive little ones learn how to calm themselves and manage their responses. Sometimes, some situations may make them feel worried or anxious. As a parent, you’ll han to identify such situations and help your child figure out their reaction or response to such situations. You need to make them believe that the situation is controllable with small behavioural changes.
2. Empathize with your child’s worries and avoid shaming him.
Do not give him/her the impression that there is something wrong with him, this will just make him feel worse about himself and therefore more insecure. Rather be empathetic and understand how they feel.
3. Model confident behaviour with other people. Kids learn from watching us.
That implies being friendly to outsiders, offering assistance to others, and modelling a casual attitude about social interactions of all types.
4. Educate your child about basic social skills to respond to both adults and children.
Kids often need to be taught to make shake hands, eye contact, smile and respond to chit-chat appropriately. You can also make games out of social skills and practice at home to make it a fun activity.
5. Be a mentor
Coach your children how to express their needs and stand up for themselves in social situations. All children need the confidence and belief that they can handle what comes up when parents aren’t around.
6. Don’t label your child as shy.
Instead, acknowledge his worries and help him overcome his fears. Don’t let them hesitate in communicating with you. You are his parent, if they aren’t comfortable talking to you, they won’t be comfortable talking to anyone else too.
7. Teach your child how to deal with the feeling of social awkwardness.
One very helpful approach is to accept societal anxiety as a part of normal life and make them understand that it affects most of the people. Sit & talk with your children and help them decide the ideal way to handle a situation that makes them nervous.
She’ll feel more confident to tackle a new experience.
8. Provide your child with small daily opportunities to interact with others.
Socially distressed children need downtime, especially if they are introverts. But they also need opportunities to practice their social skills. Encourage every little step he takes on his own.
9. Don’t push your child to perform.
Every child is unique some love telling jokes or showing off their new ability, but some kids hate it. Appreciate your child without making him feel like he’s only valued if he performs.
10. Teach your children not to be afraid of strangers.
When your child is small, teach him that he or she should always be with you, or with a teacher or trusted babysitter. Once your child is old enough, you can start discussing with him how to be safe.
Hope this information comes in handy for all the parents who are stressed about their socially worried child. If you have more doubts or questions to ask, kindly feel free to get in touch at info@drpromillabutani.com.