Some children are outgoing and some children are shy. Outgoing children enjoy talking to others and making new friends, however shy children can find a school environment incredibly difficult because they lack confidence. Fortunately, this is something that parents can help their child to overcome, using a few simple techniques.
Read on for some great tips provided by an independent school in Letchworth, on how you can raise a confident child…
Social skills
Try to be a good role model for your children by demonstrating effective social skills with others. Teach your children to say hello, ask questions and offer help to those in need. It is also helpful to explain how to hold a conversation and stress the importance of sharing and listening to others.
Conversation starters
Starting conversations with new people isn’t easy, even for adults! To help your child feel more confident about speaking to others, it can be useful to prepare a few conversation starters together. These could include some really simple compliments or questions, such as ‘I like your bag’ or ‘would you like to play?’
Independence
Where possible, try to take a step back and allow your child experience a little more independence. This will help them to work out problems alone and grow their confidence. Remember that disputes with friends are common at school and learning how to resolve them is an important life-skill.
Playdates
School playgrounds can feel overwhelming for children because they are busy and loud. It can be helpful for quieter children if parents arrange play dates at home with some of their classmates. This can help your child to make friends in a familiar setting, where they feel more relaxed and confident.
Hobbies & interests
Encourage your child to join after-school clubs that will develop their hobbies and interests. Extra-curricular activities are a great way to boost your child’s self-confidence. This is because they provide an opportunity for your child to gain new skills, explore a new environment and meet new people.
