too shy?

[ozmum23]

Hi all
i hope someone can share any similar experiences.
i have a 6 year old boy who seems to be shy.
his biggest hurdle is at the start of the term in swimming when there are new kids in the class.
at every new term he cannot join in the class. he sits by the sidelines refusing to join in. nothing i say makes any difference. the teacher is not new nor is the pool. the teacher cant make him join either.
HELP! is there anything i am doing wrong?
thanks!

he is the same at school, when he was new at the school. thanks

Just let him be. He'll join when he's ready.

There is nothing wrong with being shy. I had the stigma that is attached to it. I was a very shy child and am now a fairly shy adult, but I know how to hide it.

He'll learn as well. When he's ready.

hi Tee
thanks for your reply. how did you cope at school? how do you think i should approach this?

I just did, I guess. It was a long time ago, I'm 41 now!

I really think the best approach is no approach. I mean, encourage him, but don't push him. Say 'Don't they look like they are having fun?' But don't say 'Go on, join them!'

Let him find his own comfort zone. Just be there a presence rather than a force, if that makes any sense.

i really hated being shy and wish i'd been helped earlier, maybe someone could recommend a book

thanks Tee will try that :)