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shy 8 year old
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on Mar 19, 2014 (Read 554 times | Comments: 2)
I am just reaching out to see if any one knows of any ideas on how to encourage an 8 year old boy to reach out for friends, see the teachers all tell me hes really popular and social everyone loves him and he plays great with kids but yet he is 8 years old and has never brought or so much as invited a friend over or been to anyones house. Any suggestioms as to maybe why and or any advice on how to get him to branch out of his shell. Hes very shy so im assuming this is why. What do ya'll think?
Kay7645
Kay7645
on Apr 29, 2014 Quote  »     Reply  »

I have 2 children that are very similar to your boy. I have found that if I just let them kind of do things with other kids when they are willing, they have a much better time. Arranging play dates just makes my two retreat. It is hard to watch them not have close friends but I will give them opportunities to invite kids to movies or swimming. Sometimes they will take me up on it but often they won't. My kids also have to pick an activity to participate it...sports team, music, dance, art etc. it gets them around other kids more. I was extremely shy as a child and the thought of inviting kids over just filled me with anxiety, as it does my kids. .I grew out of it but really only have ever had a few people that I would consider "real" friends. Good luck.
teenster3
teenster3
on Aug 16, 2014 Quote  »     Reply  »

Hello, I agree with Kay. I have an 8 year old son (who will be 9 next month) and I always thought he was too shy as well. He's slowly outgrowing that though, because now when we take him to baseball games, he will get up and dance in the seats when they play songs AND throughout the years, he's been on the field multiple times for games, running the plates, a dad and son event and much more. We just continue to tell him, that it doesn't matter what other people do or think, it's about having fun and being a kid and not missing out on fun opportunities. I used to try to push for playdates and get-together's with families, but everyone is so busy in their own lives. So, we've gotten him involved in sports that he enjoys. Next week, him and I are going to do some volunteer work together, for back to school supplies for kids and at the end of this month, I'm taking him to a local 4-H meeting, to hear about what kinds of activities they do and meet other kids his age for socializing.