10 Gentle Tips for Parents: Helping Your Child Overcome Shyness & Social Anxiety

1. Let your child see you greet others confidently—even when you feel nervous. Narrate your actions: “I’m a little shy too, but I’m going to say hi!”
2. Recreate social situations using dolls or Sammy the Kitten toys. Practice what to say when meeting someone new, joining a group, or asking to play.
3. Start small—like saying “hi” to a neighbor—and slowly work up to group activities. Celebrate each small victory with praise or a high-paw!
4. Track and reward brave moments. A sticker for every step—like waving, saying a word, or trying a new activity—can motivate progress.
5. Music reduces anxiety. Repeating Sammy’s lyrics reinforces bravery and normalizes shy feelings in a joyful, non-threatening way.
6. Practice breathing exercises together (like “smell the flower, blow out the candle”) before social events to manage nervousness.
7. Gently encourage but don’t push. Respect your child’s pace and offer a safe way out if they feel overwhelmed.
8. Say things like “I’m proud of you for trying” instead of focusing on outcomes. Shy children blossom with encouragement, not pressure.
9. Let your child carry a small “bravery buddy” (like a mini Sammy plush) to offer emotional support during social moments.
10. Instead of “Don’t be shy,” say, “It’s okay to feel nervous. Sammy does too—and look how brave he became!”