very shy baby...?

Claire A - I love your description of Brandon! Now I know how to refer to Megan. She's exactly the same.

Reluctant mom: Wow, it sounds as if you are doing something right! I would be way proud of your kids. Well done.

I like to describe my daughter who some will label as shy and reserved as "she dances to her own drum" "she really is not going to do what you want, she is a bit like a cat, she hears you, but will decide to do it only if she wants to"

I love the fact that my son is everyone's friend, he isn't shy and will speak to anyone and everyone - it is important to him that everyone likes him.

My daughter relies more on her own counsel. I love her independent spirit and her "I really do not give a shite attitude" when people try and get her to conform to something. She does what she wants, and is not influenced by what others want her to do.

I never refer to her as shy - but I praise her constantly for being independent and self-reliant. I love the fact that she can play by herself in her room, and is happy doing it.

She socialises on her own terms - I already am in awe of the little person she is.

I used to refer to Brandon as shy, however as he gets older I have realised that he is observant.

He will be fine in enviroments that he knows well, but if we go somewhere new, he first has to have a look at everything to get his bearings. He needs to watch (for eg) other children playing on a new piece of equipment, before he will have a go himself.

When meeting new people he has to check them out for a while before warming up to them.

So basically, he first needs to feel secure and then his bubbly personality will come out.

The reason I said he is observant is that when we get home he will be able to copy a person's mannerisms, or can tell me exactly what someone was up to.
And after watching other children play with something, he will be able to master it almost immediatly.

Hi

Growing up, my oldest was always shy and very reserved. She still does not like strangers. She is very popular at school, and takes part in Drama competitions, dances in front at school concerts etc. When she needs to she is quite the social butterfly, even when faced with strangers.

My second also closes up when faced with strangers, but at his pre-school concert he did not even notice the hall was full of strangers, and totally enjoyed himself dancing on stage.

I would not worry about your child being shy and quiet.

Apologies Joli (*curtsy)

Brownie - you meant Joli - not Claire

I know the feeling. The English teacher allowed me to do my final oral exam after school. I was one of those kids who went red red red when someone just looked at me! I hated school. So I'm definitely helping my kids not to go through that as well. At home I was normal so my parents didn't believe the teachers.

My eldest daughter is a real drama queen, very outgoing and she's friends with everybody. She's also doing drama (very good at it I must say). She's also doing ballet. When Megan is a bit older I will get some activities for her to do as well. I do think it helps when they are doing something they like with other kids.