Parenting questions

Laura, why do you think he's too hard on himself?

You just need to encourage him and show him you are proud of him no matter what.

I think confidence takes time and a lot of praising. My son is shy also but I think as he gets older he will out grow it.

I agree both with @corbin5 & @debjani1. Praise him when he shows self confidence and is outgoing. Also take him to the park and let him play with the other children and get to know other kids. It isn't unusual for children to go through a stage of being shy at this age. You might also talk to him, it could be that someone made fun of him and teased him if he gave a wrong answer in class. I know when I did that at that age it made me very reluctant to speak up in class. He also could be afraid of looking less smart than the other children. Building confidence in him is going to take a little time, but start with trying to get him a friend and have the friend come into your home and play with your son. As soon as he has a friend you will see him change and blossom. Soon he will have several friends and be very confident. And it won't be long after that that he will be happily speaking up in class and not being so hard on himself. I know when I got a few friends in school that is the way things went for me.

Hi, Welcome to mylot. You can make him interact with neighbors by conducting home competition and team activity.

Take him to the park and let him play. I'm sure slowly and gradually he will come out of it.

I grew up like that in my childhood. I was loner and I really do not enjoy playing with other kids my age. I am an introvert and I would usually interact with one or two kids and never liked to play with groups. As I grew up I slowly adjusted to the outside world and eventually learned to socialise. I am still an introvert to this day and still do not like crowds. Being a parent of an introvert kid you should not forced them to join if they are not into it. They will most likely be more stressed out if you force them too. I would suggest you start from you as her mom. Try to communicate and connect with him as much as possible to build confidence in him. Never tell him to play with others if he does not feel like it. Instead try telling him it's okay if he plays with them.

I agree with Deborah.

I agree to what @Deborah have just said.

Please encourage you boy to do better. Am sure he would get better with time.

My daughter is 13 years old she was always shy and was never good at making friends. She has Asperger's and she has an IQ of 132 and very smart, but she is very hard on herself about her grades and she always wants perfect grades because she is a gifted student, but sometimes she may get a high B on a test and then she is very hard on herself the rest of the week. She lets seven and eight year olds boss her around in the neighborhood. I take her to a psychologist weekly but it still seems like taking her to a psychologist isn't even helping her change. My boyfriend and I are afraid when she goes off to college people are going to take advantage of her.

Let him join Toastmaster club or story telling competition. These activities can enhance his self confident!! Tell us his progress. We would love to heard about it. Good luck.