For those children who have social phobia, the holiday season can be a difficult time. Children with social phobia are more than just shy. They have an intense fear of social settings. The holiday gatherings and influx of relatives may be too overwhelming for these children.
"You'd expect a sub-group of toddlers to be afraid of new situations. If these same children reach school-age and their fears have escalated, they may be diagnosed as having a social phobia," says Linda Grossman, M.D., co-director of behavioral and developmental pediatrics at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children. "While parents should not worry if their child doesn't want to sit on Santa's lap, they should be concerned if their child does not want to go to a shopping mall at all," adds Dr. Grossman. She also says it's reasonable for a child not to want to have the leading role in a holiday play, but he or she should be comfortable enough to be part of the chorus.
The holidays can be especially difficult for socially phobic children because it is a busy time and the routine can change. Having a predictable routine is comfortable for children, so parents may want to give their children advance warning about the schedule for the next day. "Parents should remember that their children continue to need their support," says Dr. Grossman.
Children also need strategies to deal with situations that make them uncomfortable. "Make sure your children are prepared. For example, if Aunt Mary tries to hug them and they don't like it, teach them to immediately offer their hand to shake to avoid the hug," says Dr. Grossman. She says going to a party is made easier for children with social phobia if they bring a toy they can share. Also, a parent and a child can agree on a signal that the child can give if he or she needs a break from the social setting. "Strategies like these can help make the holidays more enjoyable for socially phobic children," says Dr. Grossman.
|
Email this Page
Print this Page © 2008 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System, 22 S. Greene
Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. 1.800.492.5538 TDD: 1.800.735.2258
Physician Referral: 1.800.373.4111
