How To Help Children And Youth That Are Shy Or Timid
Children & youth who are shy and timid are often more intelligent than people know. They are often empathetic and are deeply caring. Too often they don’t want to bother anyone by speaking out or taking action. Being shy and timid and being treated as being shy and timid can lead to avoidance of trying, getting involved, accomplishing things which in turn can lead to a loss of self-confidence or nothing to build self-confidence upon. Shy/timid children & youth often have been punished or criticized for their thoughts, insights, wisdom and actions. They often feel trapped with lots of awareness and have fear of taking action. Often they have no one to listen to their thoughts, awarenesses and fears. Such children & youth need much support and encouragement as well as experiences that give them self-confidence. Being shy/timid can also be caused by and complicated by: a combination of family patterns; perceptual difficulties; nutritional imbalances; exposure to environmental pollutants as well as unresolved shock, trauma, or abuses of all kinds.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Long Walks/Hikes • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs And Foot Massages • Nature • Pets • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games |
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For Parents: • Remember that shy/timid children & youth are often very bright, sensitive and are more aware of things than others. Make sure to appreciate and acknowledge their natures, gifts and talents. • Encourage self-expression. • Forcing children & youth to be different often only compounds the shyness. • Nonviolent Communication skills are very useful. |
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Check out: http://www.shakeyourshyness.com/parentingshychildren.htm; Dr. Bruce Perry’s Attunement: Reading the Rhythms of the Child. |