Playdates, birthday parties, school plays. For shy kids,
activities that require interaction with strangers are torturous
— if not impossible. And research shows that most shy children
won’t outgrow their social anxiety. Some kids are wired to be
shy, according to Samuel Putnam, a professor of psychology at
Bowdoin College who has studied shyness in children. As infants,
they’re troubled by new sensations, such as sharp odors and
tastes. As toddlers, new social situations are upsetting. “It’s
an innate tendency,” says Putnam. “Kids can’t help it.” But
parents can help their kids overcome social anxiety and shyness
by taking the following steps, says Putnam. Tip No. 6 to
Overcome Shyness in Children: Know if they’re truly shy. There’s
a difference between being introverted and being shy, says
Putnam: “Some kids would rather play alone, and that’s OK. The
world needs quiet people.” On the other hand, shy kids want to
interact, but they get upset by it. While both types of children
benefit from social interactio