Is there such a thing as a shy extrovert?

[Hacksaw]

And if so, how do you parent one?

My 11 yo DS is very shy (struggles to advocate for himself with friends, speak up in class, speak to adults etc). I was the same as a child so I understand completely, but what’s different is that I think he’s an extrovert. He prefers doing lots of busy things and being with people to doing things alone, but it’s painful unless he knows them very well because of the shyness.

Were/are you like this? How can I help him?

This is exactly it. He needs to be with people but feels anxious about it. He finds it hard to be himself. I just think it must be particularly hard to be like that - if you’re shy it’s easier to be an introvert. He doesn’t need help exactly, but perhaps encouragement to keep trying things and reassurance that how he is is ok.