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Shy kids??

2 replies

Sagesage3 · 08/11/2025 20:25

Should I be blaming myself my kids are quite shy. 3yo and 1yo but 3yo is coming out of his shell a bit now

Prior to summer really he'd shy away and shut down , sometimes get upset when we'd go to family he knows and extended family were there that he doesnt see often. He'd ignore them / avoid contact. He is a bit more outgoing when he sees extended family now. Clubs wise we only go swimming as its 4 kids in the class (him included) but if we go somewhere and there's a few kids he shuts down doesnt join in gets shy

Youngest is so chatty and outgoing but again same as eldest. Go to see family, if extended family are there she shuts down clings to me cries for me etc. We go to a toddler dance class and again she is so shy the other girls chat to the teacher more and interact with eachother. She takes most of the lesson to warmup to everyone

I feel like everyone always looks at my kids because theyre shy and withdraw and DH's (brother kids) nieces / nephews dont really but on their mums side they constantly see lots of extended family and other kids

Is it just a phase or have I caused my kids to be shy? I go out with them loads and its ironic because for example we go the library and on the walk down mt kids were stopping people to say hello and wanted to give hi fives🤣 so can be over outgoing sometimes?????

OP posts:
Sillysoggyspaniel · 08/11/2025 20:43

Try not to label them as shy kids, it's a self fulfilling prophecy. Why would they be confident and outgoing with basically strangers they happen to be related to? Much more normal to take time to warm up. If they are feeling shy in the moment just reassure, ask relatives to ignore them until they are ready to engage. We all feel shy sometimes, even the most outgoing of us.

Sagesage3 · 08/11/2025 20:52

Sillysoggyspaniel · 08/11/2025 20:43

Try not to label them as shy kids, it's a self fulfilling prophecy. Why would they be confident and outgoing with basically strangers they happen to be related to? Much more normal to take time to warm up. If they are feeling shy in the moment just reassure, ask relatives to ignore them until they are ready to engage. We all feel shy sometimes, even the most outgoing of us.

Thanks. Im just feeling external pressure and like everyone looks and compares the kids and thinks why are hers shy what is she doing wrong etc

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