Silence Is Not Golden: Strategies for Helping the Shy ChildChronic shyness can pose a serious threat to a child's academic, emotional, and social development. Children who are extremely shy may miss out on important learning opportunities, have trouble making friends, and avoid activities and events that they might otherwise enjoy. This can be troubling for parents and school based professionals who do not have enough time or expertise to coax shy children out of their shells. Silence is Not Golden: