Is there something wrong with a kid who's shy? How to tell if there's a problem.
What You Need To Know
Shy children are often misunderstood. They may be seen by teachers as withdrawn or slow, but some kids are simply more cautious than others. They aren't the ones who toss caution to the wind and jump into unfamiliar situations. However, shyness can indeed signal a problem when that child has issues of abuse or attachment--and is not simply cautious because that's how they operate. A shy child may be:
- an observer, a cautious kid who likes to watch before trying new things
- a child with issues of abuse or attachment, emotionally damaged, not shy by nature - red flag
How You Can Help
Pushing a shy child only makes matters worse. Be patient and respect your child's comfort level. Instead or pressuring them to join in on group activities, arrange a playdate with only one or two other kids.
If your child's teachers say they're withdrawn at school--and yet you've seen no signs of this shy kid, your child may just be shy in certain situations. Talk to their teacher about how they behave at home, so they'll grasp the whole picture.
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