Every child is different, and not all of them will have the same amount of enthusiasm or self-assurance. Some kids are born with outgoing personalities and have no problem speaking up in class. They take part actively and express themselves openly. And then, there are some who prefer to remain to themselves because they are too shy or intimidated to speak up in class. These children may have the answers or wish to participate, but their reluctance to speak up wins out.

However, there are ways to encourage your child to be more outspoken in class. Here are 4 such ways:

Practice at home

Instead of having you go through their homework, have your child read their answers out loud to you. This will help them become more at ease while answering questions and engaging in conversation about their academic interests. It’s fine to say the answer out loud, even if it’s wrong. Perhaps the thought of being proven wrong in front of their classmates is keeping them up at night. The more confident they become in expressing themselves, the more likely they are to ask the right questions to ensure accuracy the next time.

Encourage extracurricular activities

Rather than putting all their effort into a single area where they already excel, it is beneficial for children to broaden their horizons. Developing their skill set gives children a sense of agency and the assurance that they can take on any challenges. Having more opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities that build skills and confidence, such as athletics, dance, theater, and science, is crucial for all children, but especially those who are experiencing difficulties in school.

Let Them Answer for Themselves

Let your child use their own words, whether they’re saying hello to a neighbor or ordering dinner at a restaurant. When children feel shy, their parents often step in to answer questions on their behalf. The next time someone asks your kid a question, encourage them to answer it on their own rather than having you do it for them. By breaking off this tendency, parents can help their children feel more confident in using their voices in a wide range of settings.

Celebrate Effort

It’s good to congratulate children on their successes, but it’s just as vital to let them understand that you’re happy with their efforts, win or lose. Developing a new skill takes time and effort, and the payoff isn’t always immediate. Let children of every age know how much you appreciate their efforts, from preschoolers constructing with blocks to adults learning to play the guitar on their own.

Much like how children’s personalities vary, so do their perspectives on school. It can take more time for some kids to become used to their new school, teacher, or class than it does for others to settle into a daily classroom pattern. Some kids are shy at first, but they warm up with others over time. It’s essential to stick with your children if you want them to learn how to speak up for themself. These are just a few of the suggestions given by The Bhavans Prominent School in Indore to help your children become more confident and outgoing.