Is Your Child Struggling with Confidence This Summer? Here’s How to Help Sensitive or Shy Kids Thrive
- Heidi Grover
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Summer should be a break from stress—but for many families, it feels like another emotional rollercoaster. If your child avoids social situations, struggles to join group activities, or clings to you during transitions, you’re not alone.
Many kids with social anxiety, high sensitivity, or low self-esteem find summer camps overwhelming—and parents are left wondering: How do I help my child feel more confident without pushing them too hard?
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Confidence
Avoids eye contact or social play
Gets anxious before activities or outings
Frequently says “I can’t” or “I’m scared”
Shuts down or becomes tearful in new settings
Clings to you or refuses to separate at drop-off
These behaviors aren’t just “shyness”—they’re often signs your child’s nervous system is on high alert. Sensitive kids often internalize fear, and without the right support, that fear grows.
What Builds Confidence in Kids (That Doesn’t Feel Forced)
Helping your child build confidence doesn’t mean throwing them into uncomfortable situations and hoping they adapt.
Here’s what works best for anxious, sensitive, or shy children:
Safe peer exposure in small, supportive settings
Therapeutic play that builds social and emotional awareness
Predictable structure that helps reduce fear of the unknown
Coping tools taught by trusted adults
Positive mastery experiences (small wins that show “I can do it”)
Summer is the Perfect Time to Rebuild Confidence
The slower pace of summer gives kids the space to grow without academic pressure. With the right environment, your child can start building:
💬 Social confidence
😌 Emotional regulation
🎯 Real-world coping skills
👫 Friendships in a non-clinical setting
What to Look for in a Confidence-Building Camp
Not all summer camps are right for sensitive or anxious kids. Here’s what to look for:
✅ Small group size✅ Trained staff (ideally therapists or social-emotional experts)✅ Sensory-friendly setup✅ Clear daily routines✅ Therapeutic activities like yoga, art, and social games✅ Emphasis on emotional safety—not performance
If you're in Spring and looking for a camp where your child can build confidence in a safe, supportive setting, our Confidence Camp may be a great fit.
Led by licensed child therapists, Confidence Camp blends therapeutic tools with summer fun — giving kids ages 7–13 a chance to grow, connect, and thrive.
