Role play can help with shyness and promote independence

"Mom, I do not dare to be alone": When children are supposed to do something for the first time on their own, they often react very shyly. Especially if the son or daughter is already rather quiet and reticent, it can be done, for example. the first independent purchase at the bakery will be a big challenge. But parents can help with small role-playing games.
Always encourage children to become independent
Many parents know the scenario: The son just wanted to order his own ice cream for the first time - but when the seller appeals to him, he hides shyly behind his mother and can not say a word. Of course this is not a broken leg, because all beginnings are difficult and especially for quieter, reserved children are such first independent steps often very difficult. Therefore, it is important that parents always strengthen and encourage their children, said Ulric Ritzer-Sachs of the online consultation of the Federal Conference for Educational Counseling (bke) in conversation with the news agency "dpa".

Role playing promotes children. Image: wildworx - fotolia

Shyness is no blemish
If the child reacts shyly or anxiously in a particular situation, parents could encourage them by say "There are many things you can already do. Then you can do it, "advises the expert. In general, the shyness should not be a problem, because it is not a flaw, says Ritzer-Sachs to consider. "It is good and important that some children are also reserved."

Playfully reduce fears
It can also help when parents go through previously unknown situations with their children before in small role-playing games. Is e.g. When planning a purchase on the market, the scenario can be playfully "rehearsed" by the father mimicking the salesman and the child the customer. In this way, the child can calmly try and use the parents questions such as "What do I say to the seller?", "How will the seller react?" Go through. However, the role play does not just help to practice the first independent shopping. "That can be replaced by anything. For example calling friends at home or buying a ticket on the bus, "says the expert. (No)