Parents should take steps to expose their children to other people and situations that usually elicit shyness. Parents should be very careful to do this slowly and gradually, and to offer lots of support. To help their children prepare for such situations, parents can practice behaviors and responses with their children before attempting the real thing. Children who are overly dependent are often reluctant to take the risks involved in making friends and taking part in social activities. Parents must start early and provide their children with responsibilities that are within their child's capabilities.
Responsibilities help children feel capable.
Parents must also take steps to teach their children to be independent. This does not mean that parents should require their children to behave like adults. Independence comes in gradual steps. Parents can encourage independence in their children by letting them do things for themselves when they are able to, by encouraging them to make decisions, and by encouraging them to solve their own problems. Again, parents should keep in mind their children's ages and ability levels.