“It’s tempting to announce that your child is shy. It comes from the best of impulses,” I said. “We want to protect our kids. But they also need to know we have faith in them if they’re going to be brave enough to make the leap into sociability. I have the magic words for you. Are you ready to receive them?” Vigorous nods all around. “Jamie will join you when he’s ready.” The group looked underwhelmed. “What’s so special about that?” It may not sound like much, but those three little words do a lot of work. They tell a child that you respect his feelings and his need to go slowly. They also
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