Should you punish a child for being too timid in social settings?

No, in my opinion, punishment never works here. It will deepen the insecurity in the child. Punishment will increase his fear and will lead him to sadness, negativity, bad health and many more social & emotional illnesses what will be unacceptable. Now, a question, what should we do? We can widen his sphere, bring some happiness, pleasure and joy in the environment and show him this world is not as horrible as he thinks. Here I"ll quote a beautiful poem on children training, a guideline for everyone written by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph. D.

Children Learn What They Live

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with shame, They learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, They learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, They learn to be patient.
If children live with praise, They learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance, They learn to love.
If children live with approval, They learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty, They learn truthfulness.
If children live with security, They learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness,

They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
If children live with fear, They learn to be apprehensive
If children live with recognition, They learn to have a goal

With what your child living?