Ways to improve social confidence and reduce social anxiety

[san20sg]

My son was a very shy introvert and socially awkward when he was very young but I think he is growing out of it now and is more fun-loving now, though still very shy. He enjoys scouts activities but doesn't like teams sports and speech and drama classes.


I feel it really depends on the teacher or coach whether the child will take to a particular activity. For example, my boy doesn't usually like sports but he really enjoys one ActiveSG tennis camp because the coach for that camp was very funny but unfortunately this tennis coach doesn't participate in ActiveSG activities anymore.

I was listing down the possible activities that could possibly help bring him out of his shell, not that I have tried everything. Have not tried #2 or #3 stuff yet.

It will be great if mummies can share with others their positive experiences with particular centers or teachers It will be great if you can also share contacts of very funny or very positive coaches.

[zac's mum]

https://trehaus.co/trehaus-holiday-camp/


This one is relatively pricey, but it contains various elements (Eg mindfulness, socialization) that you are looking for.

I like this place because I’ve personally observed they hire only teachers who are great with kids. DS attended an art lesson with them there before (only 3 students) and they also have co-work space next to the classroom for parents to work if they wish.

I can’t vouch for other places becos the good teachers often come & go. For those, u probably need to arrange a trial first to see if they can click with your child.

[swortionery]

In some of the board gaming communities that I’m part of, I’ve observed parents to bring their children along for meetups so that they can have a sort of mini play date, but with adults being involved in the activities too. After all, gaming has always been a hobby that ties people together. Some of the children who joined these meetups for the first time tended to be quite shy, but once the ice was broken, you could see them having a lot of fun and talking more.

[Joyous Box]

Hi parents,


I am new to this forum and wanted to connect up with parents whose kids might hv SM, social anxiety, HFA, HSC, super shy, quiet etc.....

I am also hoping to set up playdates for my 8 yo son (undiagnosed), who is a quiet HSC (Highly Sensitive Child), doing well in school but unable to make any \"real\" friends. He fears speaking up to kids around his age but is highly motivated and willing to have social engagement with support.

Hoping to share and learn with you all!

Please let me know if your child is keen to connect up, we can arrange playdates together

[alisterconflicts]

Unfortunately, almost every child faces social anxiety.

[Cindersan]

Can recommend more affordable social skill class. My son 11 years old and I am concerning that he doesn’t seem have friends in class. Try reach out Austism recovery network, cost is 70 and attend for 3 hours weekly that total cost is rather high

[sharonkhoo]

Cindersan\" post_id=\"2082578\" time=\"1663459083\" user_id=\"135719:

Can recommend more affordable social skill class. My son 11 years old and I am concerning that he doesn’t seem have friends in class. Try reach out Austism recovery network, cost is 70 and attend for 3 hours weekly that total cost is rather high

You could try a few sessions just to get the basics? Maybe the year-end school holidays may be a good time to try. After that, you can use what has been learnt to practise with him?

For practise, you can first role-play common situations with him, then also arrange for him to have time to try out things with classmates, family friends, etc. And have debriefs and trouble-shooting after every session, until he seems to have internalised things.

As for friends, it can be hard because other kids are not always kind - even if they don't make fun or bully, they may not go out of their way to accommodate someone who is not as \"normal\". That, unfortunately, is a fact of life. If your son is lucky, some of the kinder ones will at least accommodate a bit and include him, but have a \"best friend\" - well, my adult daughter has never had one.

[zac's mum]

Following the further relaxation of SMM in schools, the kids are now back to sitting in pairs. Has your son mentioned who is his fellow seatmate, and is that seatmate helpful & kind towards him? If so, maybe can try to arrange with the parents for some fun hobby activities at home together, supervised & guided at this point, of course.

[Cindersan]

Thanks for suggestions for role play. Something that we can start with.