The facts about shyness

In middle school, even popular and confident kids feel shy at one time or another. But if students are afraid to ask questions, grades may suffer. And shy middle graders are often too embarrassed to meet new friends. Share these facts to help your child understand and cope with shy moments.

• Not everyone is judging you. Shy people often think that everyone is judging them. Some people do judge, but most people are too worried about themselves to worry about anyone else.
  
• Good things can happen if you try. People who are shy usually expect to fail, so they don't try. For example, your daughter wants to try out for the summer play but doesn't because she thinks, "I'll blow it." Encourage her to audition with a friend.
  
• There are alternatives. If your son is too shy to ask questions in class, he could ask at lunch or before school. If your daughter doesn't want to appear onstage, she could still work behind the scenes and meet new people.