2 yr old very shy and tearful at toddler group

[Louise21]

I have been taking my 2 yr old dd to toddler groups for a few months now and she used to be quite confident, going off to play with the toys and happy with the other children. However over the last few weeks she has become more and more shy and clingy. For example, she bursts into tears if another child takes the toy she is playing with, whereas she used to take it in her stride. I am not sure how to help her; I try to be really positive and introduce her to the other children but she just gets upset if anyone comes near her.
I just wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience and if so how did you resolve it?

she is developing. two or three of mine have gone through this. My youngest is the only one who has never been shy. They do usually grow out of it. I would give her as much reassurance as you can without making too big a thing out of it, and she will get past it.

I agree with Kelly...my dd went through a phase like this, where she was scared of other kids and didn't enjoy group activities. It passed in a matter of weeks - meantime, I didnt' push her, gave her lots of support.
And worried, and posted on MN
I think its a stage when children suddenly develop fears of all sorts - and as long as no one reacts too strongly either way (ie give support, and acknowledge it,but don't focus on the fear too much) it will pass.

Thanks for your messages. I am going to approach it in the way you suggest - give support without pushing her. A few people have suggested that I should treat the crying like temper tantrums, ie leave her to get on with it, but I don't think its the same thing at all. I think she needs some support without making too big an issue of it.

DS was very shy & nervous last week at toddler group & I think it was simply due to the fact that we arrived late & there were loads more children & parents than usual. I could barely hear what he was saying it was so loud. He was much better if I arrived early when they were just setting up so there were only 2 or 3 children & mums there at the start & so he felt more able to cope as the people trickled in gradually over the session.