Let’s Stop Calling Kids “Shy”

[@kmsevero1]

My 3-year old daughter is already starting to label herself as shy which I hate. I actually have social anxiety disorder and so I'm really having to check myself in using certain language with her, and trying to handle my own anxiety seeing her struggle with something I have struggled with too. This was a really helpful podcast, not just for how I can reframe her own labels but also for me, in maybe relabelling how I think about myself!

[@RandalooRace]

For me, I was just very aware of the energies of others. I knew who I could feel safe with and who was kind. This was who I was and didn’t need to be changed.

[@SusanLeeNightingale]

I was shy as a child, and no one made me feel like that could be a problem. Teachers loved me because I was quiet and easy to teach. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized my shyness is a huge disadvantage. No one told me that I would have to learn how to make small talk with people I don't know so that I can keep a job. I wish my parents and teachers were less accepting of my shyness and encouraged me more to explore out of my comfort zone to learn valuable life skills.

[@DawnYoung-y4l]

I was a child during the late 50's and 60's, and found a bunch of my old report cards, reading through them I noticed every teacher labeled me " very shy. " I was so angry to read that. I was shy, but why label a child that way. Just reading those reports made me feel like a freak all over again. Do they think a child isn't aware that they are a bit different. As an adult, I realize that I was, and still am a total introvert. Back in the day, they probably didn't even know what an introvert was. I love who I am today. I am a deep thinker and a deep observer. Please don't label children like they did me. Let them please be who they are. Let them be their authentic self. There is more than likely, not a thing wrong with who they are.

[@grace_of_gods_love]

Thanks Dr. Becky for allowing me to be a shy ADULT

[@munwhynew1261]

I was labeled "shy" but now I know it was social anxiety. I definitely was not confident. I wanted to do things but was frozen due to my fears. Working on my anxiety would have helped.

[@antonioochoa8169]

God Bless you Dr. Becky