10 Signs of a Timid Child and What You Should Do About It

This little one can be a total chatterbox with family but goes completely silent around strangers. If your child clams up, it can be for a good reason — kids know that you have certain expectations for how they should act with formal introductions and sometimes feel uncomfortable under pressure. This situation also sends mixed signals because we tell kids not to talk to strangers but also expect them to be warm when meeting people for the first time.

You notice that your child doesn't always stick up for himself to siblings or peers and goes with the flow in almost every situation. To help your little one learn to stand his or her ground, you can work on building their self-esteem by giving them specific praise that highlights what they are doing well in social settings. You can also set up situations where you know that they'll succeed and compliment their work.

This is the child that can be their own worst critic and undervalues their own self-worth. If your child suffers from low self-esteem, play the devil's advocate with them and offer them a different — and even optimistic — perspective on the situation. These negative and self-critical comments will lessen as their self-image improves.

This kiddo isn't the type who can just approach a new group of kids at the park and instantly become best friends. If they have trouble breaking into new social groups, you can take some of the pressure off by explaining that having fewer friends that they connect with is more important than having a ton of acquaintances. You can also work on developing these new social skills be fostering less intimidating situations — like setting up one-on-one introductions/play dates — and you can also build their confidence by role playing with them so they can learn how to initiate a new game or introduce themselves to a classmate.

Whether your child does everything in their power to avoid the unfamiliar or gives up on a new task as soon as they get the least bit frustrated, this isn't always because your little one is being lazy or difficult. To a kid with a fear a failure, it's better to quit than to fail trying. To combat this problem, try asking them for help with a simple project — showing that you have confidence in their ability is the first step in building their self-trust. When they see themselves excelling in a new situation, they'll be more willing to try out new roles on their own.

This is the child who instinctually shies away from social situations and just prefers to keep to themselves. These kids overthink what others are thinking about them and become crippled by this worry. Children who are socially anxious need downtime and you should be sure to make them feel valued even if they aren't "performing." These kiddos will also benefit from extra opportunities to practice their social skills and role play to work out what to do in their worst-case scenarios. Just feeling prepared and in control will be key in easing their fears.

Whether they have a hard time making eye contact when asking a question or barely speak at an audible volume, these kids need some reassurance when it comes to their social skills. Work together to build their comfort level with specific goals by practicing together. Once your child feels comfortable doing it at home and then with family, he or she will be more comfortable using this new skill set around new people.

If you notice that your child is always holding back out of fear of what the others will think or because they worry that they aren't good enough, their internal comparisons are hindering their social growth. Put an end to this unwarranted sibling or classmate comparison by making a focused effort to boost their self-worth. Also acknowledge that insecurities are a normal part of life and teach them that facing their fears will build their confidence.

These are the children who are highly affected by the environment around them. Help your little one by noticing and acknowledging their needs. Creating a safe and nurturing environment will teach your child how to calm themselves and manage their internal reaction to situations. This will allow their sensitive side to become an asset as they grow — they'll be the friend who is more responsive to others' needs and can negotiate social situations among peers.

This child avoids social settings out of fear of any situation involving the unknown. Empathize with your child's concerns and verbally work through them instead of shaming them for their worries. Acknowledge their discomfort — the more they think something is wrong with them or the situation, the more reserved they will act.

If any of these signs ring true to your child, here are some helpful tips to change their timid behavior for the better.