To rule out the risk of raising shy kids, try and engage your children in conversations other than those related to their school and friends. It could be a home servant, a driver or a shopkeeper. Do not disregard the fact that one day your little one has to step out in the world full of new faces. Take every opportunity to practice. Let your child give the waitress his order, ask the librarian for help, and develop a firm, traditional handshake. It’s the time you make your petite caterpillar, a social butterfly!