3. TEMPERAMENT AND GENETICS
• Genetics - Some of a child’s personality traits are inherited. This is
known as a child’s temperament.
• Some children are born naturally more outgoing than others.
• Babies who exhibit emotional sensitivity or who are easily intimidated are
more likely to be shy.

4. HOME ENVIRONMENT
• Learned Behavior
• Sometimes shy or timid behavior is indirectly taught to younger children by
the actions of role models like parents or older siblings.
• Lack of Social Interaction
• Children who grow up isolated or among a small group of people my be
uncomfortable with unfamiliar people.

5. LOW SELF-CONFIDENCE
• Family relationships
• Both overbearing and overly stand-offish parents lead to a child who is more
prone to anxious or fearful behavior in unfamiliar situations.
• Harsh Criticism
• Children who are constantly teased and scolded by older siblings or parents
tend to become shy or withdrawn.
• Fear of Failure
• Children who are pushed beyond their abilities and then made to feel bad for
not succeeding may develop a feat of failure that presents as shyness.

7. SOME PRO’S AND CON’S OF SHY BEHAVIOR
P R O ’ S
• Fewer disruptive
behaviors
• Increased
attentiveness at
school
• Increased listening
skills
• Deeper-thinking
• Possible sense of
inner peace
C O N ’ S
• Reduced social
interact with peers
• High anxiety levels
• Reduced willingness
to participate in
sports, groups, and
teamwork
• Feelings of loneliness
or unimportance
• Possible sense of
inner turmoil

9. SHYNESS IS NORMAL, WITHDRAWAL IS NOT
A S H Y C H I L D :
• Is cautious but
warms up
eventually
• Has few
behavioral
concerns
• Is often near
peers even if not
actively
participating
A W I T H D R A W N C H I L D :
• May suddenly act
out
• Avoids eye
contact
• Is avoided by
peers

11. HOW TO GENTLY PROMOTE SOCIAL
INTERACTION
• Avoid labeling
• Children can grow to fit labels. Some children may use the label as an
excuse to avoid tasks they don’t want to do.
• Labeling can also reduce self-confidence if the child feels something is
“wrong” with them
• Build self-esteem
• Praise skills your child is developing. For example comment on her
improving hand writing or how colorful his drawing is.
• Avoid comparison to older siblings. Younger children may not be
developmentally ready to act like their siblings, even if they are only a year or
two older.
• Avoid empty praise such as “good job” or “nice”.

12. HOW TO GENTLY PROMOTE SOCIAL
INTERACTION
• Encourage Conversation
• Talking with your child will help you to understand fears that cause shy
behavior.
• Taking interest in a child’s thoughts shows that what they have to say does
matter to others.
• Lead by Example
• You are the most important person in your child’s life. Model confident
behavior and they will mirror it.
• Tell your child about times when you felt similarly to them. This will help to
show them that feelings of anxiety are ok and can be overcome.
• Set Goals
• Children love to meet reasonable expectations. Start small, like interacting
with one new child on the playground, and work up to larger goals like group
activities or sports teams. Praise at all these steps is essential.

13. REMEMBER
• Shyness is not the same as withdrawal. Many children go through shy
periods.
• Don’t try to push your child out of their shyness. This can lead to
increased anxiety and therefore increase shy behavior.
• Praise is very important. Avoid criticism and comparison to older, more
developmentally advanced siblings.
• Take your child to unfamiliar settings or to meet unfamiliar people.
Isolation promotes shy behavior.
Thank You