Set a good example. The first step to helping your shy child overcome his or her shyness is to set a good example. This is done by your responses to different social situations.
- Be the first to say "hi" and to begin conversations. Talk to strangers. Greet people in the store or while doing other errands.
- Give out lots of compliments.
- Help those in need.
- Shake hands and make introductions.
- Never avoid social situations. If you are shy yourself, now is the time to work to get over that. Work towards putting your best foot forward and talking to people you know as well as strangers.
Prepare your child for things. Talk to your child about events that are coming up. Let them know what to expect on your way to the doctor's office, the store, or another location. For high social events, give them a couple of days notice. Let them ask questions and express their concerns.
Work on thinking positive. Many shy people are pessimists by nature. Much of their shyness comes from negative thinking such as, "They never like me." or "It doesn't matter what I say, they will never listen to me." With that in mind, work on helping your child become a positive thinker.