There are many advantages to being on the introverted side of the personality scale. Children who are shy are often described as being more sensitive, empathic, and caring. In fact, countless famous leaders and innovators are self-confessed introverts, like Albert Einstein, J.K Rowling, Bill Gates, and Eleanor Roosevelt to name a few.
For some children though, their shyness and anxiety can lead to significant problems. If a child always avoids situations that cause them discomfort and anxiety, they can miss out on opportunities for friendship, positive experiences and academic success, among other things. When this happens, it is what mental health professionals refer to as an anxiety disorder.
4 strategies for helping a child overcome fear
The Macquarie University’s Centre for Emotional Health has been following a group of shy and confident children over the past 10 years … Read the rest