Question
Dear Doctor, I have an eight-year-old boy at home who is usually shy. What effective methods can help him overcome this situation?
Answer
For shy children, it’s important to teach them to open up to the outside world and express themselves. Overprotective parenting and excessive worry about a child’s behavior may deprive them of the opportunity to act independently and lead to fear and distrust of the outside world. Parents should encourage their children to try things themselves and give them recognition and appreciation for their efforts, which will help build their confidence. Moreover, parents should recognize that a child’s personality is more important than their appearance, so they should focus on cultivating their inner qualities. During the process of a child’s growth, appropriate encouragement and support are key to helping them overcome shyness and build confidence.