Shy

Did you know that "shy" is an emotion, not a personality trait?

Like all emotions, shyness is a temporary state, one that passes more quickly with non-judgemental support from a loved one.

Next time your child shows signs of shyness try empathy statements such as "Are you feeling shy around this new person?" rather than explanatory statements such as "Oh sorry, she's pretty shy." Give your child a sense of emotional flexibility. She isn't a shy person, she's simply feeling shy in this moment.

Feelings are transient. As soon as we recognize and honor them they lighten their hold on us.

Image credit: Feeleez ABCs