Encourage your shy child to speak

As I know, only too well, being a shy child is not fun.

As parents we don't hesitate to teach our children to count - we're always asking 'how many? - and most of us can't resist trying to teach our children to read before they start school -

A lot of parents worry that their children are not very confident when they speak.

Some children who appear to be shy children are just lazy and soon discover that thay can manage quite easily by pointing to things.

Other children are simply shy - I say simply, but as a very shy child myself I know how difficult it can be.

Parents can do their part to encourage their child to talk but never force it. The more fuss you make, the less likely they are to speak.

By spending just a few minutes each day encouraging your child to speak - you will help them:

Speak in sentences

Improve their memory

increase their vocabulary

If you're not sure how to do this, find a photograph or a picture from a magazine.

Sit down with your child and ask questions about the photo. The type of question will depend on the age of the child but for a very young child it can be as simple as,'what colour ears does that dog have?' When they answer, 'brown', repeat the answer in a sentence. 'Yes, the dog has brown ears'.

If the children are older ask them to describe the photo or explain what is happening in the picture. Encourage them to use full sentences but don't inhibit their enthusiasm.

Once children reach their teens they seem to communicate only by texting or emailing - speaking is very low on the list. Many employers complain that although their new employees are academically qualified they lack basic communication skills.

For details of individual elocution lessons for children click here.

Have a happier and more confident child.

Go to Elocution for Children

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