BABY AND CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES: SHYNESS, TIMIDITY AND FEARFULNESS
Infants and children invariably go through stages of being shy, timid and fearful. Shyness usually starts early in life, frequently in the 5-6 month age group. The infant is starting to differentiate between people, starting to know who are strangers and who can be trusted. Some scepticism is good and is part of the natural protective element. If the condition is ridiculed or brought into prominence, particularly as the child becomes older, it will tend to worsen, not improve. Sensible handling by an understanding parent can often help the youngster overcome the problem.
Many children are naturally timid and fear such things as darkness, being left alone or deserted; they may fear being isolated, be scared of noises, animals or machines. The list is long. Fear is contagious. The more a person dwells on it, the worse it becomes. The reverse, happily, is also true. Courage and fortitude are also contagious and gradually improve with encouragement.
Treatment
Understanding by parents in these situations is essential. Most fears can be overcome, and so can shyness. All should be tolerated by parents, given understanding and help. Efforts should be made to increase the child’s confidence.
Showing a little girl that her fears are ungrounded, and that there is usually nothing to be fearful of, assists. For instance, darkness is simply the same as day with the light removed. She is safe by day, and she will similarly be safe by night. Supply a light in her room if her fears are great, and this will gradually let her know that darkness is not really the big bogey she had believed.
Etch words of comfort, safety, well-being and confidence into her subconscious mind as often as possible. Tell her reassuring stories, particularly at night when the fears may be at their highest level. Avoid disastrous stories in which danger or defeat are the main features.
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