My DD, nearly 17, has always been very reserved. We’ve tried a few things (extra curricular activities for example, encouraging friendships, moving her to a small secondary school) to try and get her out of her shell - to no avail.
She works hard and spends most of her time in her bedroom. She has zero interest outside school - which is also a consequence of her being so reserved.
I had always hoped she’d come out of her shell as she becomes older and she has, in fairness, made progress, recently giving a presentation to an audience as part of her school work, for example.
But seeing other girls at prize-giving this week made me realise how awkward she feels. Other girls were smiling, relaxed, happy and looking at ease with themselves. Mine was scrunched up, hiding and generally looking very uncomfortable. It gave me a really bad feeling that I can’t really explain.
She says she’s fine and never opens up. She’s in good health, not spending too much time online, no disordered eating or any other cause for concern. School is fine - a few teachers are now noticing her and talking about her potential, which is a novelty as teachers have generally ignored her totally throughout her school years.
What can I do to help her come out of her shell, go
out a bit more, be more sociable? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.