Page 206 - The Intentional Parent

they will never be as gregarious as a child who was born with a tendency to want to be around and please people. Shy kids may be slow to warm up, or they may just prefer to be quiet. I always remark to concerned parents that sometimes I wish more people had the ability to sit and listen quietly and attentively to what I had to say. Shy people are naturals at this kind of "empathic" listening.
Some very shy people report that they are afraid to talk to other people. This can lead to problems later in life when, as adults, they have to go on job interviews or give presentations in front of groups. It will be important to gently encourage your shy child to understand her shyness and to make small steps toward becoming a little more outgoing. One of the worst things you can do to a shy child is make it seem as though her shyness is a fault or a shortcoming. Shy kids can't really help being that way, but you can help them step out of their shells gradually.
FEAR OF THE WATER
My seven-year-old son had a very difficult experience at camp this summer. While he was swimming in the lake he became exhausted and started to drown. A counselor jumped in and rescued him, but the experience left him very shaken up. We live near the water and want the kids to feel comfortable with it, but he has vowed never to even put his toe in the water again. What should we do?
Give it a little bit of time, but not too much time, and then suggest that he get back in the water and learn to overcome his fear. Acknowledge that it is a very scary feeling to go back into the water after almost drowning, but since you live around water, it is important for him to know how to take care of himself in the
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 206