Books about Talking to Adults/social interaction?

[nicolewi]

Shot in the dark. Are there any kids' books that address how to be polite, mature and respectful in talking to grown-ups, EVEN IF it's hard for the kid? My 6.5 year old is shy/anxious with people she doesn't know well and I STILL struggle with getting her to respond appropriately to adults. She knows what she is supposed to do but can't seem to do it. Twice this week, we practiced a conversation in advance about "what have you been doing this summer?" and still, when that exact question was asked, she froze up and wouldn't or couldn't answer. Or she just says something really goofy, I guess to try to be funnY??? I don't know. I.e. "Um....well....um....I played in the mud!" or some other ridiculous answer. This is extremely frustrating. I know I was somewhat like this as a kid also, but obviously I have grown out of it. I'd like to help her (and the others, who are learning from her! Now her brother acts goofy if she is) do better, but I don't really know where to go with it right now.

[NandaB]

I have no recs, but I think practicing is a great idea. Maybe have her help you create written scripts so she can pretend she's acting, like in a play? I know many shy people who found acting easier than actual socializing in real life.

Also, I think it's ok for her not to be comfortable talking to strangers, but for you to encourage her to be polite to acquaintances, if that makes sense. Maybe in addition to the practice/script you guys can make a plan ahead of time
so you can prep her that aunt sally will probably say hi and ask about her summer, so she should say hi back and tell aunt sally she went to camp and it was lots of fun and you can take it from there. Maybe she can tell you in private some things she would like to share with aunt sally, but doesn't fell comfortable saying herself.

[Kcthepouchh8r]

How does she do around this skill in school? I bet this is something school staff could help out with. I would probably bring it up early in the year.

[nicolewi]

The two times recently weren't with strangers. One with the pediatrician we've had since she was born, and once with DH's aunt, whom she has seen enough to know.

At school, she seems to do okay. She had a really hard time at the start of the last two school years (i.e very nervous/not wanting to go/crying about first day/no enthusiasm) but once she was adjusted she did great. Got along well with the other kids, participates, asks/answers questions, etc. It's when she's on the spot to make conversation with an adult.