#parenting #child_psychology #child_development #emotional-regulation #english ## ⁉️ **What is Behavioural Inhibition:** - Behavioural inhibition is when a person, especially a child, tends to be shy, cautious, or hesitant in new situations or around new people. - It’s like an automatic “pause” button in their brain that makes them more careful before jumping into something unfamiliar. - Kids with strong behavioural inhibition might take longer to warm up to strangers, avoid risky situations, or feel anxious in social settings. It’s a normal trait, but in some cases, it can be linked to anxiety later in life ## 📖 **Examples of Behavioural Inhibition:** - **Shy Child at a Party** – A child goes to a birthday party but clings to their parent instead of playing with the other kids right away. They take time to observe before slowly joining in. - **Hesitant in Class** – A student knows the answer to a teacher’s question but doesn’t raise their hand because they’re afraid of speaking in front of others. - **Cautious at the Playground** – A child at a new playground watches other kids go down a tall slide but hesitates, needing encouragement before trying it. - **Avoiding New People** – A teenager meets their parent’s friends but barely speaks, looking down and avoiding eye contact until they feel more comfortable ## How to combat Behavioural Inhibition: ### **Gentle Exposure to New Situations** - **Start small**: Gradually introduce your child to new environments, people, and experiences. - Example: If they’re shy at the playground, start with quieter times before visiting during busier hours. - **Avoid forcing interactions**: Let them warm up at their own pace instead of pushing them into social situations. ### **Model Confident Behavior** - **Show confidence** in new situations yourself (even if you feel nervous). - **Greet people warmly** so your child sees that social interactions are safe. - **Talk about your own emotions** (e.g., “I was nervous about meeting new people, but I took a deep breath and said hello.”) ### **Encourage Independence** - Allow them to make **small decisions** (e.g., choosing their outfit, ordering food at a restaurant). - Give them **simple responsibilities** (e.g., paying the cashier, saying thank you). - Avoid **overprotecting** them from challenges—let them try things on their own. ### **Teach & Practice Social Skills** - Role-play **how to introduce themselves**, say "hello," or respond to common questions. - Encourage **eye contact, smiling, and clear speech** in a fun, no-pressure way. - Praise **effort**, not just success (e.g., “I loved how you said hi to that kid!” even if they were nervous).