How do you boost a child's confidence?

Ah she is only a tiny yet - confidence will grow but as others have said that may be her character and there is nothing wrong with being a bit thoughtful and standing back from the hurly burly. Positive reinforcement seems to be the way to boost confidence and just love her for how she is. I bet she is a delight.

May not be relevant to a shy little girl, but it's worth remembering that for someone to be heard another has to listen. I'm still shy in some situations but am certainly not unhappy and know I am welcome most of the time, I now have the confidence to be quiet if that is my choice. Give her time, she will most likely be fine.

Why do we assume that being 'shy' is a negative trait?

There is a wonderful book by Susan Cain called 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking'. I think if you read it threesugars it will help you come to terms with, and appreciate, that bring 'shy' isn't a 'bad' thing

I absolutely agree, Crafting. How old is this little girl - 4...5? She shouldn't be trying to 'sell herself', she's just finding her feet in a new environment, let her do it in her own way and in her own time.

Some children are just shy. It's not necessarily a problem. I was (and still am) very shy. I was never bullied at school. I don't suppose anyone noticed me much. Like adults, children come in all shapes and sizes. Some outgoing, some shy, etc. Why should she change. Not everyone can be the life and soul of the party. Some children have a large group of friends, others one or two good ones. Most children, however outgoing are shy with strangers especially when so young. If she is not unhappy then leave her be to grow and develope in her own way at her own speed.

Not everyone needs to "sell themselves" in life. Some are pushy, some are not. We can't all be the same. Everyone has their own place.
P.s. Never could sell myself, always shy and never an extrovert. Am I happy? Yes, wonderful DH, children and DGC. Most content with life as hopefully your DGD will be

Get her parents to talk to her teacher. DGD wasn't so much shy as lacking in confidence in herself. Her teachers noticed this and discussed with her parents and then the two worked together to build her confidence. I am not sure what this involved, but the day she asked if she could join the choir they knew it was working.

Thank you for the responses. I really appreciate it. She's got one good friend - who is equally shy. I suppose I know from life experience that you need to be able to sell yourself in life. Brains and being a decent person will get you so far, but self-confidence is so important. I just want the best for her I suppose. I know she is so little still but these are such formative years.

I think you said it yourself..... She is a bit shy. May just be her character.

Does she have friends her own age?

Just love her for being who she is.
Don't ask her if she's being bullied unless you have indication. She may not have the language or confidence with strangers.My grandson is hopeless with new people and he is 9.

Lovely for her to have you to herself. She obviously enjoys her time with you and you have a good relationship.Keep up the good work