2yo stressed out talking to other people

[Jigsawsandcoffee]

What's the best way to respond in this situation?

My daughter is 2yo and she gets so anxious talking to other adults in playgroup she puts on a baby voice and uses one-word answers, or she makes these strange little noises instead of using words. She sounds really stressed compared to how she is when she's just talking to me, likely she's forcing the words out, but she wants to continue the conversation so I just let her.

What can I do to make it easier?

Other times, when people try to talk to her she stays quiet then she'll say to me, "can we play with something else?" because she wants to get away. All the adults are so lovely and friendly and patient and experienced dealing with little kids.

When she says she wants to play somewhere, we do! I don't force her to stay

My DD was the same, still quite shy at 3. I think you just have to respect their shyness and make sure they know you're on their side to try to give confidence.

Meant to say - I would keep going to things though although the pandemic is definitely not making that easy!