My 3 old kid is very shy what should i do to help?

Question

I have been moving from place to place and we were changing his day care often. he was a very active child till he was 32-33 months. then he became very quiet and now he is very shy and doesn't like speaking to anyone. His father ,my husband has a travel job so he visits us during the week end. Is it anything that we as his parents did that turned him like that or is it Phase which will pass. I am very concerned.

Answer 1

My daughter is also quite shy-just the opposite from her mom! Just remember that kids are different and just because he is shy doesn't mean there is anything wrong or that you did anything wrong. It also may be that if he has learned about "stranger danger" he doesn't know who is or is not ok, especially if the people in his life keep changing. Kids go through stages of awareness, and that may be all that this is.

Answer 2

One tactic that can help shy children open up is to have them see you, the parent, having positive social interactions in the same setting. Outings like picnics, group lunches or outings for example are good venues for this. If the child can see an adult he trusts having positive, comfortable interactions with other adults, his view of others may become less fearful.

Answer 3

get him in a routine and a steady daycare so he will feel more secure and familiar with them.. if you arent needing daycare right now, maybe you could take him to a regular playgroup so he'll be able to interact but still have you there to feel safe.
i'm not sure what else to suggest, i only have a 22 month old and she's not shy at all!
maybe he wants to stay closer to you because his dad is not often there.

Answer 4

it could be many things... don't blame yourself, children don't come with handbooks. try spending quality time with him especially on the weekends with daddy. show him that you love him and it's ok to be shy.... nothing wrong with that. help boost his confindence by letting him have play dates.... good luck!