Your Kid is Shy? Here’s the Secret to Boosting Their Confidence!

Does your child shrink back from new people or hesitate to join in at the playground? Shyness is a common trait in many children, and while it can be endearing, it can also hold them back from experiencing all that life has to offer. As a Malaysian parent, you naturally want to support your kids in achieving how to support your kids achieve optimum growth and build their confidence. Here at GogoKids, we understand your concerns, and we’re here to share a secret: confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something that’s nurtured!

Understanding Shyness

Before diving into confidence-boosting tips, let’s take a moment to understand shyness. Shyness is a feeling of self-consciousness or awkwardness around unfamiliar people or situations. Shy children often experience anxiety in social settings and may prefer to observe rather than participate. It’s important to remember that shyness isn’t the same as social anxiety. While shyness may cause discomfort, it doesn’t necessarily prevent interaction.

How to Support Your Kids Achieve Optimum Growth and Build Their Confidence?

The key to building growth and confidence in shy children lies in a two-pronged approach: encouragement and opportunities.

1. Encouragement

• Focus on effort, not outcome: Instead of praising only achievements (“Good job getting an A!”), celebrate the effort put in (“Wow, you studied so hard for that test!”). This teaches them that their value isn’t tied to perfection, but to their dedication and willingness to try.
• Positive self-talk: Help your child develop a positive inner voice. Practice affirmations together, like “I am brave” or “I can make new friends.” Here’s a handy table to get you started:

Situation	Negative Self-Talk	Positive Self-Talk
Trying a new sport	“I’m going to be bad at this.”	“Everyone starts somewhere. I’m going to learn and have fun!”
Making a mistake	“I’m not good enough”	“We all make mistakes. I can learn from this and do better next time.”
Meeting new people	“They won’t want to be friends with me.”	“I have something interesting to offer. Let’s see what they like!”
Feeling worried about a new environment	“What if I don’t like it there?”	“There will be new things to see and learn. I’m going to be brave and give it a try!”
Feeling shy about asking a question in class	“Everyone will think I’m not smart.”	“It’s important to understand. I’m going to raise my hand and ask my question.”
Having trouble with homework	“This is too hard. I give up.”	“This might be challenging, but I’m smart and I can figure it out. Maybe I can ask for help if I need it.”

• Role model confidence: Children learn best by observing. Show your own confidence by tackling new challenges and expressing your own positive self-talk.

2. Opportunities

• Safe exploration: Create a safe space at home where your child feels comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves freely. Engage in open-ended play, read stories with diverse characters, and discuss emotions openly.
• Weekend activities for kids: Expose your child to enriching environments outside the home. GogoKids can be your one-stop guide for finding weekend activities for kids in Malaysia. Here are some ideas to get you started, offering opportunities for exploration and interaction in a less pressured setting:
  • Museums: Explore the fascinating world of science, history, or art at museums like National Museum, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, or Petrosains: The Discovery Centre.
  • Zoos & Aquariums: Connect with animals at the National Zoo Selangor, KL Bird Park, or Aquaria KLCC. Witness incredible marine life and learn about conservation efforts.
  • Petting Farms: Get up close and cuddly with furry and feathered friends at petting farms like The Farm at Sg. Buloh or Hairaan Farmstay. These experiences are perfect for fostering compassion and gentle interaction with animals.
• Enrichment classes: Consider enrolling your child in enrichment classes that cater to their interests. Whether it’s a baking class, a drama workshop, or a sports program, these classes allow them to develop new skills and make connections with like-minded peers in a structured environment. Look for enrichment classes offered by providers listed on GogoKids – you might be surprised at the variety available in your area!
• Speech & drama classes, in particular, can be a great confidence booster. Through activities and performances in a supportive environment, children can overcome their fear of public speaking and develop the skills to clearly express themselves. This newfound confidence can translate into all areas of their lives, from the classroom to social interactions. Unlock your child’s inner voice and boost their confidence! Explore Speech & Drama classes with GogoKids HERE.

Remember

• Start small: Don’t overwhelm your child with too much stimulation at once. Begin with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the challenge level.
• Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate even small victories. This reinforces the positive association with trying new things.