Let’s face it. Embarrassment is a big part of growing up. And it can impact kids in many ways.

They may worry that trying a new outfit will embarrass them in front of their peers, or feel ashamed when a classmate comments on their appearance. Embarrassment and the emotions that come with it can be tough to navigate, for both kids and parents.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn explains how to help young children deal with embarrassment and strategies for getting ahead of it. 

Related resources

• Social and emotional skills at different ages
• Managing emotions
• I’m letting go of the shame I felt about my ADHD and learning disabilities

Timestamps

(01:04) Embarrassment vs. shame
(02:06) How to help kids prepare for anxiety-provoking situations
(02:58) How learning or thinking differences can affect embarrassment  
(04:28) Making yourself ‘in’ on the joke

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected].

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.  

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give