What strategy is recommended to help shy children make friends?

What strategy is recommended to help shy children make friends?

• A. Pair her with a younger child
• B. Force participation in big groups
• C. Isolate her
• D. Let her play alone

Answer: (A)

A key idea here is providing low-pressure, scaffolded chances for a shy child to practice social interactions with peers. Pairing her with a younger child creates a safer, less intimidating setting where she can try chatting, sharing, and taking turns without the pressure of keeping up with older or more socially adept kids. The younger child often offers simpler social cues and easier reciprocal play, and an adult can guide the interaction with gentle prompts and modeling. This helps her experience small, successful social moments, which builds confidence and makes it more likely she’ll try interacting with peers in the future. Pushing a shy child into big groups can feel overwhelming and may lead to withdrawal or anxiety. Isolating her or letting her play alone removes opportunities to observe, imitate, and practice social skills in real situations.

A key idea here is providing low-pressure, scaffolded chances for a shy child to practice social interactions with peers. Pairing her with a younger child creates a safer, less intimidating setting where she can try chatting, sharing, and taking turns without the pressure of keeping up with older or more socially adept kids. The younger child often offers simpler social cues and easier reciprocal play, and an adult can guide the interaction with gentle prompts and modeling. This helps her experience small, successful social moments, which builds confidence and makes it more likely she’ll try interacting with peers in the future.

Pushing a shy child into big groups can feel overwhelming and may lead to withdrawal or anxiety. Isolating her or letting her play alone removes opportunities to observe, imitate, and practice social skills in real situations.