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Behaviour/development

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DS afraid of being centre of attention

7 replies

Barmymummy · 01/05/2009 21:47

For a long time I have been saying to myself that the reason DS reacts like he does in front of other people is because he is shy.....but today the penny dropped! He is afraid of being the centre of attention as opposed to shy!

Does anyone else have a DC that is like this?

EG, if someone unfamiliar (or even someone familiar at times) asks him a question (esp if we are indoors, he is better outdoors) then he will hide behind me. But he can openly say hello, answer simple questions or say thank you to a total stranger when on his terms.

He loves lazytown and sportacus. We got him a sportacus dressing up outfit and he loves it BUT was really against showing other people. He has now got to used to it and shows no bother now. However, we then got him the action set (it plays sportacus' voice and music etc) again he reacted really nervously to it. After a few mins he got used to it but wouldn't show it to daddy or grandad. I caught him playing with it in a room with the door closed so we couldn't watch him!! When I asked him why he did that he said "I was shy!"

He won't sing or dance for us (pretend shows etc) unless his big sister is with him and he just copies her mainly!

Have to say I am just like this even as an adult. Hate attention on me, go bright red and would rather sit at the back and watch than join in.

I just wondered if anyone else finds this because so many kids seem so confident at this age. Thanks.

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piscesmoon · 01/05/2009 22:04

I think it is very common. I hate being the centre of attention even now. I think that you get the impression from reality TV that everyone wants their moment of fame but it simply isn't true-a lot of us would hate it!

sagacious · 01/05/2009 22:15

Yep ds has always been like this

(can't say I'm suprised as I was petrifyingly shy as a child)

piscesmoon · 01/05/2009 22:18

It is actually very common-I supply teach and so come across a lot of DCs and lots are like your DS-I wouldn't worry.

Barmymummy · 02/05/2009 06:45

Thankyou, thats reassuring. Doesnt help that DD is very confident so I guess it makes his behaviour look all the more obvious!

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bigchris · 02/05/2009 07:11

sounds very normal to me
how old is he?

Barmymummy · 02/05/2009 07:15

He is 4 in June.

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sdr · 02/05/2009 08:21

My DS was the same at that age. Is now 7 and has improved, but still have to remind him to answer people's questions. Like if we're in a shop and the shopkeeper says hello to him. Just his personality. I wouldn't worry.

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