What do i say in this situation?

[MandyBOO]

DD (4) is very shy and takes a while to get used to new situations etc.

Anyway, we were at the park today when one of her fellow friends from playgroup came over and asked her to play. DD sucked her thumb, scowled and shook her head. I was mortified!

Children wont ask her to play if thats how she's going to act.

How can i stop her from acting like that?

ds2 does that if asked directly, but if not asked he joins in iyswim. I tend to say something like "oh he'll play in a minute" and usually he does (providing I don't tell him to go and play- if I do then he won't).

Thanks Jimjams 2 - will try that approach in future.