Children are born with various temperaments that determine how they interact with the world. For example, temperament determines how a child responds to other people, activities, new situations. Temperament impacts children’s distractibility, level of activity, mood and perseverance when obstacles are presented.

There are many types of temperament but perhaps the one most misunderstood by adults is the shy child. What often appears to adults as disinterest or even disdain, is really the demonstration of a highly sensitive child. Shy children had difficulty making eye contact. They often speak in a quiet tone or infrequently when out in public. And they are incredibly slow to warm up. However, despite the effort it takes to engage the shy child, it is worth it to put in the time.

Shy children are excellent listeners and observers. When they aren’t busy talking like other children, they are keenly aware of what is going on around them. Shy children can also be great team players, too, because they actually care what others think about them. They crave acceptance — so a shy child might pass the ball more or make a personal sacrifice because it’s better for the team.

There’s a fine balance to coaching a shy child — too much attention and the child will sink into embarrassment; too little attention and the child will not engage fully with the team. 

Here’s how to make it work.

Give more time to warm up.

Notoriously slow to engage, shy children need to be able to participate at their own pace. Don’t rush them or you risk losing the child to quitting. Allow the child to just watch at first if that’s where the comfort level begins. Then slowly offer opportunities to participate with the team. If the child resists, that’s your sign to dial it back a bit more. If the child accepts the challenge, offer quiet praise in the form of a high five, pat on the back or kind word at the end of the practice. 

Avoid sudden changes.

I’m not sure anyone loves abrupt change. However, shy children like to mentally prepare for variations in their environment. Give the shy child updates and warnings to allow time for adjustment.

Find a connection.

If the cautious child feels comfortable and safe, there is such a beautiful blossoming that occurs. Get to know the shy child off the field. Does the child have a hobby? Is there a beloved pet to bond over? Find out the favorite color and wear that at the next meeting. Bottom line: Gently try to connect in any way possible.

Find activities that work for everyone.

Shy children do not like to be singled out or feel different. The best way to avoid that is to plan activities and games that work to the strengths of the introverted child, without drawing undo attention. 

In a paper for the Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, researcher Erin Hatch recommends teaching anxiety-busting techniques to the whole team — so all children benefit. “The idea,” Hatch explains, “is to make these interventions part of the culture of the team so it’s not this weird, strange thing that’s being given to one person because they are struggling.”

Don’t write them off.

Given time to adjust, shy children can be excellent assets to the team. But they’re often pushed aside long before that happens. 

A patient, caring coach can completely change the shy child’s life. Take time to know the child, develop your relationship and make him or her feel comfortable, and you can see miracles happen.