Social phobia has a tendency to begin during adolescence but can develop much earlier. The onset of social phobia during one’s formative years can have a overwhelming effect on their social development. If left unchecked it can lead to serious psychological problems later in life.
The symptoms of excessive shyness and acute self-consciousness are relatively easy to spot. If the child speaks very softly and says very little or if they shy away from eye contact. If they often cry or throw tantrums. If they are unwilling to participate in classroom activities. If they feign illness in order to avoid having to go to school. If they are constantly alone in the playground, not joining in, or if they spend a lot of time alone in their room, there is a strong possibility that they may have social phobia.
It is important not to disregard a child’s anxiety by simply telling them they’ll grow out of it. Fortunately, there are many positive things parents, teachers and family members can do to encourage a socially anxious child. The most important thing is to encourage them to confront their feared situations a little bit at a time, never pushing them too hard.
Parents can share with their child examples of times when they have felt anxious in social situations. This way the child will feel supported and know that they are not alone in feeling the way they do. Also, parents can make a conscious effort to nurture their child’s self-esteem, paying them compliments and being openly affectionate.
It is important for teachers to be mindful of not doing anything to embarrass a child and to insist on a humiliation-free environment in the classroom. They can encourage a friendship between a shy child and more outgoing child. Also, they might reward any small step a socially anxious child makes to be more outgoing or participatory in class, later gradually requiring the child to do more to earn the reward.
Martial Art Training Develops Empowering Confidence
If there’s anything we can identify as a key cause of social phobia, it is enduring bullying that may go on for years. A study has found that bullying may cause long-term social anxiety disorder.
When you’re living with social anxiety, your self-confidence is extremely low. Your confidence (or lack of it) causes you to stop trusting or believing in yourself. You might feel and decide to avoid situations instead of facing challenges head on.
There are many things that can give you the much-needed confidence to beat social anxiety.
For me, martial arts training is a very effective way. When you’re put through challenging routines and find yourself still standing amongst the sweat and discomfort, your personal confidence grows.
Plus, the progressive, modern, systematic approach to setting and achieving goals and belt levels taught at the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts also contributes highly to a child’s feeling of personal accomplishment and self-worth.
Contact the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts for a Free Trial Class Today
One of the best types of programs that to help and keep builds confidence and personal protection skills is the Martial Arts training like offered at the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts.
At the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts, we teach a way of life. For over 30 years our professional Martial Arts system is a well thought out curriculum that teaches more than just the art of self-defense. We delve deep into our students’ technique, skill set, confidence, concentration, intelligence, intuition and overall physical fitness.
The Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts has been voted the best club in Mississauga and Port Credit area since 1995 (that’s 21 years!) by the readers of the Mississauga News. In addition, the Academy was voted as the “Top Choice” for Martial Arts clubs in Mississauga for the last two years (2016, 2017). Most recently, the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts was voted as a 2017 Mississauga South Business Star for Community Impact Excellence.
Contact us today if you’re interested in martial arts and self-defense classes and schedule a free-trial class your child AND their best friend!
