My 2 1/2 year old son's behavior

[kcgreen]

My son is 2 1/2 and has always been a little shy around kids and adults. Recently, everytime someone talks to him he gives them a dirty look and hides his head towards me refusing to talk to them. This someone can be someone he knows or a stranger, the result is still the same. Also he goes to a preschool and the teacher told me today that she has noticed he has been playing by himself more and not sharing. My question is this normal? Any advice would help, thanks.

[eromesac83]

I just read your story and was wondering now that your son is obviously older how he is doing??  you have just described my son and I am wondering what to do!

[Cleveland Mom]

You've doing a great job to provide social stimulation for your son!  Don't try to do too much so-to-speak.  Enjoy your son where he is and for who he is...right now.  Things could easily change and he may become more of a social butterfly or not.   Introverted people have many wonderful gifts.  They tend to form a few deep, close friendships as oppossed to having a bunch of acquaintances.  They tend to be very caring and think deeply.  Many intellectually gifted people are introverts and introverted kids often do quite well in the classroom.   Its important to keep introverted kids in the social mix, as stated, relax and let him bloom!  Best wishes...

[kcgreen]

Thanks Cleveland Mom, your post made a lot of sense. I just worry about his social skills since he is our only child. We have him in many actitivies (playgroups/ 2 day for 3 hour preschool) but it seems that his shyness is getting worse. I will take what you said to heart and od more research, thanks again.

[Cleveland Mom]

First of all, remember your son is very young and he will experience alot of changes within the next few years.  It could be that by nature he is more introverted and you are starting to see signs of that.  Introversion is normal trait as extroversion is a normal trait.  All children vary in thier temperments, so are easy going some are more high strung, some are outgoing some are reserved and so forth.  As some children are more developed in one way or another it may be that your son is not as developed in terms of social skills.  Think about how some kids are taller, walk earlier or later etc.   At his age, if he is developing fine in other ways i.e. language etc. you should'nt be concerned.  There are some good books about introverted or shy children out there.  There is some good information on the web about introverted or shy children too.  The bottom line is that he is too young to be for certain if he is going thru a phase or if he is truly introverted.  Best wishes...