The COVID pandemic is like nothing most of us have ever lived through. This is especially true for kids and teens who are still developing mentally and physically.
Seth just started driving, and he’s doing pretty well. The written test was a breeze, and on the streets around his house he feels comfortable. He even volunteered to drive his little sister to the mall.
Some degree of shyness is normal and common in all children. For most, it’s a healthy cautiousness in reaction to a novel social encounter.
Here’s an example:
At a neighborhood barbeque, 4-year-old Tommy wouldn’t show his face, and buried his head in his mom’s skirt behind her. Mom gently encouraged him.
Most kids and young adults look forward to going back to school. But for those with social anxiety, school and all that comes with it can literally provoke dread.
I’m going to show you what I mean. Let’s consider Sally.
Sally is a sweet, sensitive, likeable 16-year-old girl.