Teaching Your Kids NOT To Be Shy

My second born went home last Monday, beaming with pride. He said his kuya was the one who lead the Alma mater song during the flag ceremony. Oh! I was overwhelmed, I almost cry. I have been telling them to participate in school and not to be shy.

As a kid, I was a very shy girl and I was an easy target to bullies. I do not want that to happen to my kids. I want them to be sociable and of course be the best they can be academically. My first born is now in Grade 3 and we have been telling him to always participate in school activities since he was in Grade 1 and now, he’s starting to pick up.

I think as parents, that’s the best thing we can do, push and support our kids. Let them know that we are here in every decision they made. Let me share with you some of the things we have been through to overcome shyness:

MTAP Seminars. I always let them join MTAP seminars every Saturday. I think being with their classmates for another day, beside the Monday- Friday schedule lets them enjoy socializing. And because of that, they kinda form a bond with their classmates, making them more confident with their social skills.

School Council Officers. Few weeks ago, I was busy preparing campaign paraphernalia for my first born. He run for P.R.O for the school council and of course we need to show our support even if it means not sleeping for 2 days. He lost but since I already explained to him that it’s the experience that counts, he’s happy with the result. In fact he was glad he run for P.R.O because he met new friends from upper grade level.

Canteen and Break time. I use to bring them food during lunch break but I realized, I can give them a break and let them eat with their classmates. Two days a week, they eat lunch at the school canteen with their friends.

In a way, I am lucky they love socializing too. They are not that super shy kind of kids unlike my third born. Third born will be in school next year and as early as now, I have been thinking of ways to make it easier for him:

• Be at the school early, earlier than the the other students. Too many people overwhelms my third born and arriving in a  school full of kids will scare him.
• Assure him that I will be waiting for him outside. Oh yes, I think I have to stay on the school ground and wait for him. It is very important, specially for shy kids, that we do not break their trust. So I need to be there when he said I should be there waiting for him.
• Talk to the teacher often. Let him know that me and his teacher are friends and that he can relax at the classroom.
• Know the name of his classmates and ask him about them. It will challenge him to interact with his classmates so that he can tell something about them to mommy (talk about kids pleasing their parents).

So far, that’s what included on my strategy on how to over come shyness. I hope I can think of more ways and fun ways to help my third born overcome his shyness. I bet some moms at Seriously Fun Moms have something to say. If you have a shy kid, go check out the page to learn other ways in overcoming shyness.