My son is 2 1/2 and he acts shy when he gets around certain people. He's not in daycare right now and b/c of my current situation we don't get out much. He talks, plays, and everything when me and his dad go to the store or whatever, but when he's around old friends and family he acts real shy and won't talk at all.
On the other hand, I'm shy and my mom was shy, so that's why I'm thinking it could be genetics.
So my question is does him not interacting with other children make him shy or could it be his genes?
2006-07-07 15:29:14 · 11 answers · asked by Cute_Gyrl 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Being shy is just part of a person's personality, it doesn't matter if you get out a lot or not. Take yourself as an example. I'm a homeschooler, so I'm going to use the famous argument against it, that kids need socializing, to make my point. You probably went to public school for 13 years, and yet you admit you're still shy, so obviously, being with others didn't change that. There are MANY shy people in the world, and there's nothing wrong with that at all. He'll be fine, don't worry about it, and don't think you're causing him to be shy by not taking him out. He has PLENTY of time to either grow out of it if it's just a toddler phase, and if it's not, then it's just his personality, nothing to worry about.
2006-07-08 18:21:49 · answer #1 · answered by Angie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well - Genes do have a lot to do with it, also the example you set has a lot to do with it. So, if you are still acting shy - he will follow your lead.
At 2 y.o. they mostly parallel play w/ their peers- there is not a real friendship so to speak. At some point - perhaps 3 or 4 years-old, you will want to start socializing your son - it will make it easier for him when he has to go to preschool or school.
You can start with one hour play dates, or going to places that other young children play. When my daughter was three (she's been in day care since 2 mos) we started going to a neighborhood park on a regular basis. I told her that she should introduce herself to another child and ask if they want to play. Say "my name is ___, do you want to play" I also told her if they said "no" that was okay - just go on to the next kid and eventually you will find someone to play with. She is now 9.5 years old and still uses this same technique to find a friend to play with. To her credit she has little friends and a good time every where she goes and she isn't at all upset if someone refuses to play.
I was really shy as a kid - it was awful - I got over it by finding a waitress job as soon as i was old enough to work. Waitressing taught me how not to be shy and it was wicked fun - all you do is bring food to a table - someone else cooked it and someone else will do the dishes and for that YOU get money.
2006-07-07 15:41:27 · answer #2 · answered by workingclasshero 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back in the dark ages when I was in elementary school a state trooper would come to the school every year and lead an assembly about safety, what to do around strange animals was always part of that discussion. I'm not sure if the state police are still involved, but the children in my town are still being educated about approaching strange dogs. I can honestly say that every child I've met since I got the dog (about a year ago) has asked if they could pet my dog before they approached him. I only wish the adults would do the same.
2016-03-26 21:02:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is typical behavior for children in their two's. They also often will play by themselves rather than interact with others. This is called parallel play and is perfectly normal. My 4 year old is still a little shy around others when he first meets them but warms up quickly.
2006-07-07 15:38:39 · answer #4 · answered by mrsbohlen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup, your kid is shy and it is genetic. He may also have a social anxiety disorder which can occur from observation of others' relationships. Do you and your husband get along with each other and other people?
I'm shy too, and I'm already 21. My dad was a shy guy, but grew out of it eventually.
2006-07-07 15:39:33 · answer #5 · answered by got2hav_faith20 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily he should be shy just because you and your mom have been.
Just encourage him and create situations in such a way that he HAS to interact with people (other than you). It need not be children of his age necessarily but anyone like relatives, or if he goes to a store or something, let him interact.
2006-07-07 15:33:49 · answer #6 · answered by keyRun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes not interacting with other kids/people makes a kid shy its all in how u raise them. its not genetics. my son is shy sometime around ppl and than later he wont be he has his moments where he is shy and he dont get out much and does not play with other kids
2006-07-07 15:34:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normal, the first half hour=shy. After one hour+=yahoo.
2006-07-07 15:42:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
being shy is totally normal. I wouldn't worry about it, when he gets about 4 you won't know he is the same little shy boy!
2006-07-07 15:33:13 · answer #9 · answered by tricksy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alot of younger kids are really shy, it's normal.
2006-07-07 15:37:15 · answer #10 · answered by sundragonjess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋