expert advice MORE Encouraging Your Shy Child Q: My eight-year-
old son is very timid and afraid to tell his teacher if
something is wrong or if he doesn't understand something. He is
also reluctant to get involved in activities with his
classmates. What can I do for him? A: Shy children are sometimes
at a unique disadvantage. Interaction that is easy and natural
for an extroverted child can be quite stressful for a shy one.
But you can be an advocate for your child and help him build
self-confidence in the classroom and other social situations.
First of all, make an appointment with your son's teacher. Good
communication between home and school will be key to his
progress. Describe your son to the teacher as you see him at
home, and let her know how your son behaves when he becomes
frustrated and doesn't understand something. Let the teacher
know about any approaches that might be effective in getting
your son to ask for help. The teacher might in turn be able to
give you insight into your son from a differen