How to help a child get over her shyness?

Question

My niece is 5 years old. She is in Kindergarten and did young fives last year. She gets along well with other kids and family. She is somewhat shy when people talk to her in public, but she will respond. The problem is she is extremly shy in groups and is afraid to try new things (t-ball, soccer, dances...). She is constantly has to have my sister (her mom) w/ her when large groups are around. Does anyone have any suggestions how to help her get over this? Any good books for my sister to read about the subject.? Any help would help!

Answer 1

That is just the way she is at the moment. She probably feels insecure when in new situations with lots of new people, and would rather have her mom with her for comfort.

She will get over this once she feels comfortable. It might be a month or two, or might be in a few years. She'll outgrow it eventually. I was like that when I was younger too. I was a sheltered, only child at the time, though.. and was with mom all the time outside of school. To say the least, I have finally overcome that little stage=)

As long as she does talk when spoken to, has friends, and is around children her own age, she will be fine=)

Answer 2

She will probably grow out of it just give her time

Answer 3

this is normal. are the parents shy around people? or dont talk with others in public? kids mimick their parents

Answer 4

Why does she need to "get over it"?  Some people just don't like large groups of people.  If she gets along well with her classmates, and has a few close friends she is just fine.  Don't push her to do isn't comfortable doing.  She will never gain the confidence to go out on her own unless she is given patience and understanding so she can do these things in her own time. If you really think she needs some structured activity, try Girl Scouts.  Troops are small, so she will feel more comfortable there, and will have the safety and support to start to assert herself more.

Answer 5

I'm not going to say all children are like that because they're not. I should know...my sister and I are opposites....I was shy she was "out there". Truth be told there really is nothing you can do other than keep her around groups of people, show her new things aren't that bad. And there is actually a book or movie or show (can't remember which) on the whole overcoming shyness thing. Other than that, she'll just have to grow out of it. (I'll get back with you when I remember what book, movie, or show it was)

Answer 6

By talking as much as you can with him/her.

Answer 7

i suggest have the Chile with other children's and Friends to play, prefer same children's all time,let her play Crustily with them. she will brake out in couple years.

Answer 8

Try one thing at a time, activity and stick to it so she gets a chance to get to know the poeple.

Answer 9

don't force ehr to get over her shyness i was a very shy kid and i eventually grew out of it  the older she gets the more she will doa nd grow out of it jsut give it time

Answer 10

My Middle child was always my shy one. So when I put her into Kindergarten I made a point of telling her teachers, that she is smart and may know the answers but that they need to call on her, because she wont speak up. I also went and volunteered in her class alot. I would go up to kids and say hi my name is Amber, this is Madisyn , what is your name? And ask if they wanted to play with us... etc. If it was time to dance or sing I would make her participate by grabbing her and doing it with her but making it a game.  If i knew she didn't know how to do something then I would make sure I told her or taught her before hand so she didn't feel out of place, and would participate. It didn't take too long. I also praaised her for trying something new, or doing a good job, and how proud I was of her.  I may have done too much she now has the confidence of 3 girls..lol She is friends with everyone, and has no problem telling me how smart beautiful, & great she is...lol Shes 7 now. She is still reserved, but no longer my really shy child. Good luck I hope this helps

Answer 11

If you find out please let me know...I have a 5 year old and she is soooo.... shy...I don't know what to do either!

Answer 12

HEY I WAS SHY when i was little

my mom forced me to mingle with other kids n didn't let me come back till i made frnds

she also put  me in activities like cheer leading , gymnastics, and basketball which forced me.

i came out of it.

every now n then I'm shy well  at least wit guys

overall I'm really outgoing

it takes time

instead of being with her in large groups leave her

or have a frnd wit her to make it comfortable

HOPE THIS HELPS

Answer 13

Her mom needs to step back and let her daughter try out these new social situations... I know it is hard, I am an overprotective mom. But the daughter is never going to learn while her mom is speaking for her.........

Answer 14

Shyness is like freckles..Some kids are just born that way. i have even read it runs in families..If you overpush a shy child it'll backfire in your face, so just be gentle.. having her mom there with her is a awesome way to handle it untill she warms up.. Maybe she will only be this way while shes little or maybe she will be shy all her life..

Right now she should go at her own pace.. in a few years if shes still extremly shy it will be important to make her try new things.. but right now.. she's 5.. she will build confidence in feeling safe..

Answer 15

I am a kindergarten teacher. All children at that age are different, some are very outgoing while others are slower to warm up to new situations. I always try to remember that they have only been alive for five years so have had very limited experiences in life. Your niece is one that is slower to warm up. From what you have said, I see nothing for you to be concerned about. She gets along well at school with her peers and the family and responds appropriately to questions.

It is not uncommon for young children to be uncomfortable in large groups and want to stay near mom. I would gradually introduce the various activities like t-ball and dancingto her and if she is not interested I wouldn't force her, there will be time later for sports. Start by getting involved in a small playgroup that is less structured than a sports program. As she gains confidence gradually expand her activities to things that she is interested in.

Hope things go well. As far as a recommendation for a book I would recommend the " With Love and Logic books. " By ...I cant remember...will look it up and post it.