Schools are beginning to utilize tablets and laptops, resulting in less paper and pen work. Though this technology can enhance the child’s learning experience, we still must foster the importance of handwriting. In today’s digital age, children sometimes have the ability to type and text before they can write their name on a piece of paper. This raises the question, how important are handwriting skills and should this be what a child focuses on?

Studies on handwriting have actually raised some interesting relationships. Children who are capable of writing quickly and neatly are more likely to express their thoughts and ideas better through writing. Researchers were able to link increased cognitive activity with better handwriting when children in grades two through five were asked to brainstorm a composition.

What Can the Parent Do?

Your child’s success in their educational journey is important. One of the very first steps in this journey is learning how to write out letters and numbers and eventually, write out their name. There is no doubt that when your child first starts out, it is going to be messy and illegible, but as they practice you should see improvements. As a parent you can encourage your child to draw, color, trace shapes and play “connect the dots” games, before learning the alphabet is even a thought. These types of activities can be effective in helping your child develop the motor skills and the cognitive skills for neat handwriting.

The next step could be teaching your child how to color in the lines, which will help develop their hand-eye coordination. Exercise and proper posture are even proven to help aid in a child’s writing journey, since the better “in shape” the muscles of their hands, arms and shoulders are, the easier it will be for them to move and control their motions while writing. So, reduce the use of tablets and video games and encourage your children to use their creativity on paper through writing and drawing.

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Healthy Children

Being the “new kid” at school can sound frightening for both the child and parent combined. A new school means having new experiences, meeting new friends and being in a new environment. Although moving can be a stressful process, it is often helpful to encourage your child to be excited about the new town. The appearance of nerves and butterflies are common as the first day of school approaches, but don’t let them become overwhelming feelings for your child.

Before the School Year

Before the school year begins, a terrific way to introduce your child to the district is by scheduling a tour. Often, schools are open to giving a tour of the grounds and facilities to the new family in town, typically about a week or two before school officially opens. Becoming familiar with the surroundings and environment can help ease the nerves and apprehension your child might have in attending a new school.

Overcoming Labels

Although being labeled the “new kid” might sound bad, it doesn’t always have to be, and there are ways to avoid the stigma that’s sometimes attached to that label. For some children, it is easy to make friends and introduce themselves to new people and for others, it isn’t. One way to avoid being labeled the new kid is by being the first one to introduce yourself, so the other children build a sense of familiarity. Usually, the new kid gets a lot of attention because everyone is curious about him or her, so encourage your child to take advantage of that to meet as many new kids as they can. Over time, they will build relationships with kids who have similar interests.

Get Outside

Becoming familiar with your neighborhood is another great way to ease your child’s nerves about their new surroundings. Find out if there are any other kids on the block for your child to play with outside before the school year starts. Don’t force your child to play with kids – allow them to feel it out and choose who they want to play with. Setting up play dates for shy kids in the beginning is encouraged.

Always encourage your child to keep a positive attitude about their new school, and try not to let them see your nerves about the situation. It may take some time to completely adjust, and that is okay. Building friendships is an ongoing process.

Shyness is one of the most common traits in young children. The world is scary to some kids, and if mom or dad are not around, relating and trusting others in daycare or school can be difficult. Still, shyness comes in varying degrees, and more severe shyness could be a sign they are on the autism spectrum. Regardless of how your child relates to others, their antisocial behavior can be influenced and changed with a bit of support and learning.

Adjustment Period

As a parent, you know how many phases your child has gone through. Think back to the inevitable phase of wanting to wear similar things for extended periods of time, like insisting on wearing only pajamas or a sweatshirt that acts as a security blanket. Those phases pass as they are adapting to their world, and shyness is a phase for some. This is especially noticeable when children face an environmental change. Starting in a new school, moving to a new neighborhood, or even losing a family member, among many other situations, can cause shifts in personality. Being withdrawn during these times is common, though your child should begin to get back to their normal selves over time.

Rejection

Your child may be an extrovert, but their shyness stems from peers viewing them as an “other.” Physical differences, antisocial personality traits like aggression or impulsivity, and other factors can cause some kids to bully other children, while the rest are bystanders without stepping up in defense of your child. In these cases of rejection, adult intervention is often required to show the kids why it’s important to celebrate differences and always be friendly and kind.

Personality

Sometimes kids are naturally shy and prefer to be alone or gravitate more toward family or animals. This may simply be part of their personality, but it could also be a symptom of Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndrome is a developmental condition that causes children to have difficulty with relationships.

If shyness begins to impact your child’s experiences negatively in school or other social situations with children, or if you are worried about your child’s shyness, talk to your pediatrician. Childhood should be a happy time where kids freely make friends and learn about bonding and friendships. Some kids just need a bit more hand holding than others.