I have a daughter that is very, very shy. Really hers runs into a feeling of inadequacy. She is sure she will be wrong so prefers to not try.

It was a real problem when she was younger-
refused to hold the flag for the Pledge (too many people looking at her),
wouldn't speak in kindergarden and refused to write (bad enough to say the wrong thing but if you wrote it everyone could see),
would only swim backstroke (didn't have to see the people looking at her on the stating block (she is a fabulous backstroker now!)

I spole to several teachers and the school counselor about ways we could help.
All said the same, she needs to gain confidence. Two of the ways we did that was swimming (less pressure than other sports because you are always racing against your won time) and horsebackriding (imagine the power of controling a 1000 pound animal)

Both helped tho' I think the greatest was a game the counselor played with her a few times. It focused on "what happens" if you mess up.

I'll have you know that tho' Rose is still shy with adults she is very outgoing with friends. She even became a cheerleader last year without either of her sisters.


Judie and Victor
lucky parents to
Frankie 3/95
Maggie 7/96
Rose 7/96
Elizabeth 7/96