Today’s post is about being shy…
“Shyness is the act of feeling uncomfortable in social situations in ways that interfere with our ability to enjoy ourselves, to perform at the level we’re capable of or that cause us to avoid social situations altogether”
When you have been teaching children in group environments for well over thirty years, you see just about everything associated with children and how different personalities can come together to interact on a singular level.
Human beings are by nature, social creatures. Does that mean that each and every person is naturally predisposed to feeling as though they “fit in”? Not necessarily…
I am always amazed at how many parents who have a child who is “shy” or not inclined to participate in group activities because of shyness, feel the best option is to choose activities which involve less children…
I am entirely sensitive to these little ones, I understand how difficult it is to interact with people when you feel “shy” however, I have also seen the power of positive group activities and how it can bring a child labeled “shy” out of their shell in an amazing way!
I was recently pulled aside after a class by a mother who wanted to tell me how amazed she was at her sons’ transformation in just five weeks of class. She told me that when they started classes at Music Rhapsody, her son would not participate in any of the activities. Drumming on the Gathering Drum seemed too loud for him; he didn’t want to get up and dance around with the other children; and when it came time to sing out loud, he would bury his face into his father’s chest and “hide” until the activity was over…
The mother told me that although these things concerned her – she also saw how amazing our classes were and how much fun her son would have if they could just get past this beginning stage of trying a new social activity…and guess what? Without any “pushing” or unpleasantness this little boy has now become the biggest participator in the class! Just by attending classes every week!
I’m proud to say that now, when this little guy comes to class, he beats on the Gathering Drum with vigor and enthusiasm; he dances like no tomorrow; and at his most recent class, upon his turn to sing the little solo out loud – he did it! Loud and proud – he sang like a bird! Tweeeet!
Some things don’t always happen immediately. But music is a powerful tool that can bring even the most reluctant participant out of their shell…it’s a universal language that everyone can speak…and one best enjoyed in a group setting.
If what we do at Music Rhapsody didn’t work we would have been out of business ten, twenty, THIRTY years ago! But it DOES work…children love it. Parents love it…WE love it!
Every class you attend at Music Rhapsody is structured to make the most of each and every individual’s musical abilities – because we all have musical talent! Some just aren’t as predisposed to “showing it off” as others…but if you give up before that person has a chance to shine their light – how will you see that it’s there?!
Do you think you might have a “shy child”? Why not enroll in classes at Music Rhapsody and see how interacting with other children in an exciting, fun, no-pressure environment can bring about even the most reluctant participant and see your little “songbird” shine!
(Oh! And don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend a FREE class on Thursday, February 23! I’m teaching – it’s going to be so much fun! Call our office to reserve your spot and get in on the music making excitement!)
