Social anxiety making me feel like a bad parent

[Daisy92]

So, I'm bad in social situations. I'm awkward, and so much of an introvert that people don't find me approachable. I try, my God I try, but socialising just doesn't come naturally for me.

This hasn't been a major issue for me until I had my DS, (he's 4 months old). I just don't want him to grow up like me. I want him to be socially confident. Thus, I'm trying to get him around other babies from a young age.

Currently I have no friends with babies - none at all - and any acquaintances I know seem to always cancel our plans last minute. :( Like I said, I'm trying.

I take him to a lot of local groups. He goes to swimming classes, weekly sensory groups, local baby events, and although he's curious around other infants I feel like I let him down. I just struggle to integrate with the other mums. It makes me feel like a bad parent.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I need some advice.

Please don't worry about this - he is 4 months old! He will not need socialising for years. Enjoy your baby. When he is at pre school / school - you can look for some approachable parents - there will be some and you will see them regularly and know they are local then try again. I am sorry you have not bonded with other mums yet but this takes time and can be hard when everyone has their own tiny baby. If you want to do something about the social anxiety for yourself then that is different but if not just relax and enjoy your baby.

You are giving yourself a really hard time. I never took my kids to groups, just trips to the park, farm and maybe softplay a couple of times. I didn't meet any parents until my first started nursery aged 3. From talking to mums I know now they had the same experience. Your world opens up when they start nursery/school.
You really aren't letting him down. 1) You go to more groups than most people 2) they don't socialise themselves until they're 3+ years