Shyness

5 min

My child is a loner!

Some children are quiet, not very sociable and like to be alone – they are known as loners. This is not necessarily a cause for concern.

Selective mutism: little girl sits quietly next to an older girl

Health

11 min

Chirpy at home, silent in kindergarten

Some children don't say a word in the Chindsgi, while they speak normally at home. This may be due to a disorder called selective mutism.

A young man is sitting at a table with a woman. He is applying for an apprenticeship and laughs.

Career choice

2 min

«Small talk creates a pleasant atmosphere»

Tips from careers counsellor Erika Deiss: How to make a job interview a success - even for shy apprenticeship seekers.

Columns

3 min

«How can I become more popular?»

Nine-year-old Jasmina is insecure because her friend dances ballet and is very popular. She asks our expert Sarah Zanoni for advice.

Videos

1 min

My child doesn't speak: How shy is too shy?

Why are some children "chatterboxes" at home and can't get a word in edgewise? Speech therapist Sabine Laerum knows the answer.

Georg Stöckli, Prof. Dr.
Titular Professor of Education/Pedagogical Psychology, Head of the Child and School Research Centre at the University of Zurich on 12 September 2017.

Health

11 min

Mr Stöckli, how do you help shy children?

Eight per cent of schoolchildren are excessively shy, and have been for a long time. Due to the constant fear of being judged badly, they usually behave passively in class - with fatal consequences, says Georg Stöckli. The educational scientist talks about silent observers, overprotective parents and particularly stubborn inhibition dwarves.