5 Confidence-Boosting Activities for a Shy Kid

If you’re a parent, you must be aware of the fact that every kid is different from one another. Each of them demonstrates unique personality and behavioural traits. While some of them are extroverted and mingle seamlessly with their peers, there are a few shy kids who feel nervous about making new friends or getting along with other kids. Generally, these types of kids avoid socialising and indulging in effective communication. If you are raising a shy kid, you know that the struggle is real.

Shy kids require extreme care and attention from their parents, teachers and peers. Beyond just attention, it’s essential to actively engage them in meaningful activities that help build their confidence and ease social anxiety. Being a leading educational institution in Vaishali, we understand this concern and hence have come up with a few simple activities for shy kids which you can try at home and get them involved in group tasks. Subsequently, these activities are regularly practised at K.R. Mangalam World School, Vaishali, by trained teachers who are constantly available to mentor the students. Continue reading further to know how you can remove shyness from a shy kid and help them to socialise with others. 

How Can You Support a Shy Kid?

As a parent, your dedication to helping your child overcome shyness and anxiety is unwavering. However, you must understand that it’s not an overnight journey, i.e., it’s a long process. You have to be constantly patient with your kid and have to support them in every situation, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Here are some ways through which you can help a shy kid to come out of their introverted shell and enjoy their life. 

• Accepting their nature: As we all know, every child possesses different capabilities. Therefore, you must accept them the way they are and let them be their original self. By opting for this approach, you will allow them to think differently and formulate new ideas. 

• Understanding their behaviour: Make the effort to know about their behavioural changes. If your child often gets moody or cranky, then find out the major reason behind their mood swings. Let them know that there’s always a first time and there’s nothing wrong in being an introvert. 

• Setting an example: Young kids often learn from their parents. If you communicate efficiently and put forward your opinions, your child will eventually learn from you. Consider participating regularly in events and taking your child along with you. Always demonstrate positive and confident behaviour around your child. 

• Know their interest: Kids are generally more interested in participating in those activities which interest them the most. Talk to them and know about their likes and dislikes. Once you get to know their interests, introduce them to an activity or get them enrolled in a workshop related to their hobbies.  

• Developing a routine: Generally, kids are likely to be less introverted if they’re prepared in advance. Parents should start teaching kids at home about forming connections with peers, positive behaviour, etc. One should also make their kids familiar with the food-eating and hygiene habits. 

• Not labelling them: It’s seen that the more you label them as a shy kid, they’re more likely to feel demotivated. Thus, prefer to treat them in a normal manner and avoid using harsh words. Treat them with utmost love and care. If required, take them to a professional counsellor for a therapy session. 

By adopting the practices mentioned above, your child is likely to gain confidence and feel more motivated. However, if progress remains limited, consider exploring these additional methods for further support. 

• Motivate them to try new things

• Conduct role play

• Create a safe environment

• Encourage them to build new connections

• Ask them to provide input

• Offer a reward

5 Activities to Help Your Shy Kid Gain Confidence 

At KRMWS, Vaishali, we believe in creating a safe environment for shy children where they flourish with confidence, build strong connections and navigate complex challenges with resilience. To facilitate this, we practise these activities at our school through which students become more expressive. Parents must try these activities at home for their child’s speedy progress and overall development. 

Teach Them to Play a New Instrument 

Enrolling your child in a music class or group can be a great way to help them make new friends. Beyond learning how to play an instrument, music classes naturally encourage collaboration, communication, and regular interaction with other children in a supportive environment. Before enrolling, it’s important to involve your child in the decision—ask which instrument excites them the most, and choose a class that aligns with their interest. This not only keeps them engaged but also increases the likelihood of forming meaningful connections and becoming more cheerful and confident.

Allow Them to Read Books 

Above all, reading is the best activity to overcome shyness. You must encourage your child to read different types of books on eliminating shyness. Additionally, this activity will also enhance your child’s vocabulary and will make them more confident. Here are some of the must-read books for kids:

• Maude: The Not-So-Noticeable Shrimpton 

• The Invisible Boy 

• Shy 

• Evan’s Corner 

• When No One Is Watching 

• Middle Grade 

• Willow’s Whispers

• Hound Dog True 

• King Of The Wind 

• The Lost Twin 

• Call It Courage 

Mandala Making Session 

It’s a colourful activity filled with colours. You need to provide various types of colourful sheets or printed mandala sheets to your child along with colours. Mandalas are intricate designs with beautiful patterns. In comparison to all the other activities, this promotes creativity amongst the children. One is likely to be calmer and more focused during this activity and will enjoy it to the fullest. While your kid is performing this activity, ask them about their favourite colour and design whilst guiding them about the importance of focus and peace. 

Organise a Puppet Show 

Collect different types of socks, clothes, paper bags and sticks to create a puppet show. Decorate all the pieces together to form puppets. Ask your child to assist you and know their opinion. Put on a puppet show on making new friends, gaining confidence, effective communication, etc. By participating in a puppet show, your child will learn about diversified social skills necessary for survival. 

Play World Building Activity 

For this activity, you need to fill sand in a sand tray and put some miniature toys on it. Provide them the sand tray and guide them to create a sand world on the sand tray with the help of those toys. Now while they’re busy in their own world, try talking to them gently and ask open-ended questions to them. Listen to their answers carefully to analyse their emotional state and personal behaviour. 

Conclusion 

Shyness is a common behavioural trait among young children, often seen as a natural part of their early development. However, with the right support from parents and teachers, this trait can be gently addressed through thoughtful, engaging activities. A well-guided approach can gradually encourage an introverted child to step outside their comfort zone, helping them become more confident and productive. Over time, they will begin to engage more freely with their peers and participate in group activities. Most importantly, allow them the space and time they need to open up, and respond with patience and empathy. With consistent encouragement, once a shy child finds their voice, there’s no turning back. Good luck! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does KRMWS help a shy kid?

We opt for a positive approach where we allow the students to be their own selves. Later on, we conduct a behavioural analysis based on which we implement activities to remove shyness from them.

Are there any art therapy activities for a shy kid?

Mandala making, art journaling and emotional art exploration are some of the popular art activities to try with introverted kids. 

How can a parent help a shy kid eliminate shyness?

You can help your child to overcome shyness by implementing varied types of playful activities and letting them know that nothing is wrong in being an introvert. 

Which book is best for a shy kid?

The Invisible Boy is considered the best book for anxious kids. Upon reading this book, students will know about the prominent importance of forming long-lasting friendships.