Hello. I am the mother of an ex-shy child so I know how frustrating it can be to parent such a child. I also know it doesn't have to be that way. I am a nurse, health educator, shyness coach, and author of Don't Call Me Shy which helps parents and teachers bring out the social best in children who are shy. I have studied shyness all my life and have spoken to hundreds of shy children and adults. I have come to learn that unless a shy child changes their beliefs about themself they will not be able to change behavior. I was a shy child myself and was told to "get out there and push myself." The truth of the matter was that I couldn't. I knew what I should do in a social situation but I felt like a fake - like I was a shy kid trying to be something that I wasn't. When I began to change the way I saw myself and stopped seeing myself as only shy, I was able to slowly change my behavior. I strongly suggest that parents and teachers eliminate the word 'shy' from their vocabulary. Be on the lookout for social behavior in your child and offer praise. "I am so proud of the way you smiled at John today" or "Good for you! I saw you look at your teacher yesterday when we walked into school." Recognition for social gestures, however small,goes a long way in helping a shy child see that they can behave in a social manner - and gives them the incentive to take more and more social chances.

Please let me know what situations you and your child face and I will offer you my guidance and support!