A:Every toddler can be shy sometimes.Even when a 2 year old is bubbly and effervescent most of the time,she can become overwhelmed with shyness when faced by a huge array of unfamiliar children and adults.
Meeting unfamiliar relatives at a family gathering or attending a new playgroup can be a challenge for her.You may be surprised how your confident toddler - who's normally friendly and ready to chat - tries to hide behind you when someone she doesn't know tries to engage her in conversation.
Reasons for shyness
There is no single source of your toddler's shyness.Much depends on her personality,her social experience,and you and your partner.One explanation is that shyness is genetically inherited from parents,just as other characteristics are inherited.For instance,the level of shyness of identical twins (who have almost identical genetic structures) are closer than the level of shyness of non-identical twins (whose genetic structures are no more similar than any two siblings).
However,it could simply be that mum and dad are more likely to treat siblings in the same way when they look the same.For instance,they are more likely to expect them both to be outgoing or both to be shy,and therefore will behave towards them in a way that encourages such expectations.
Likewise,shy parents tend to have shy toddlers,but this could be due to the toddler copying the model of social behaviour that they see at home,and might be nothing to do with genetics.
Signs of shyness
Toddler shyness isn't always obvious.
Here are some signs to look out for
*Looking down.Your child has a problem making eye contact with the other person,and suddenly finds her feet fascinating
*Embarrassment.She can't stop her face from going red when entering a room full of toddlers,even when some are her friends.
*Dry mouth.Due to tension,her mouth goes dry,and this causes her to have difficulty speaking,and perhaps difficulty swallowing.
*Immobility.A shy toddler may stay rooted to the spot,unable to move at all.She stands there helplessly,not saying or doing anything.
*Reluctance.If she is particularly shy,she may struggle with you when led into a room containing unfamiliar people.
*Silence.A shy toddler hates attention and tries to ignore it.That's why she might simply say nothing to someone who speaks to her.
5 ways to boost your toddler's confidence
1.Avoid excessive pressure.Don't force your toddler into social situations that terrify her,as this will just intensify her shyness.
2.Give positive comments.Remind your tot that she's a lovely child and others her own age will want to play with her.
3.Don't allow social avoidance.If you let your toddler play on her own all the time,she won't have any opportunities to learn how to overcome her shyness.
4.Show her what to do.Teach her how to interact with a toddler she doesn't know,for instance,by offering the other child a toy.
5.Organise play activities.Arrange for one or two friends from her playgroup to play with her at home.Social successes in familiar surroundings will boost her confidence.
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