Being shy isn’t a bad thing. Those who are quieter tend to be contemplative and notice the finer details in life. However, being too withdrawn definitely has its drawbacks. If you’re the parent of a teenager who is reluctant to meet others, there are ways you can help. These are five ideas to break shy teens out of their shells.

Teach Them How to Approach People

Some teens might be shy because they don’t know how to approach people. It can be daunting to start talking to anyone you don’t know, even if you have confidence in yourself. A good place for your teen to start is with looking for common bonds with people. If they might overhear someone talking about a show they like. Then, they can chime in and start a connection. Having these jumping-off points can lead to lasting friendships.

Have Them Join Clubs

Joining clubs is a great way to overcome shyness. Best can take some of the pressure off of approaching because they’ll immediately have something talk about. If your teen likes playing chess, they might join a chess club. They might also start their own organization based on something like. Being in a club can give them something to look forward to and bring them closer to people.

Teach Them Confidence

A lack of confidence can cause teens to withdraw. Self-doubt can be a serious plague on someone’s self-esteem. You need to teach your teen to love themselves. They should be able to feel proud of who they are and all they’re capable of. Things like good grooming habits and staying productive are key ways to boost confidence. Have them choose an outfit, cologne, hairstyle that boosts their personal confidence and style. If they’re timid about their smile then you can help with no-show orthodontist services. Invisalign can help straighten their smile without drawing attention.

Don’t Call Them Shy

Your teen may be shy because they’ve become so used to being referred to as such. It might seem innocuous to call your teen “shy”, but that perception of themselves can lead to some serious emotional scars. Emphasize how your teen is courageous and how they make people feel good.

Help Them Practice

The best way to overcome shyness is to practice being more open and outgoing. Every time you talk to your teen is an opportunity to help them with their shyness. When you ask them about how their day was, don’t just accept “fine” for an answer. Press them to really talk about things. If they had a bad day, getting their feelings out in the open can help them to feel better.

Shy teens can get out of their shells while still being themselves. As a parent, you can continue your nurturing your child, even in their teenage years. Put these ideas to use and see how they help your teen become more confident.