How do I encourage a shy, unconfident 7 year old to play with his peers at school?

[alma1]

I have a 7year old by who finds it very hard to approach children on the play ground and play with them. He lacks self esteem and confidence at times but is an intellent boy. On a one to one basis he is ok and integrates well for instance if we have his friends to play at the house. In the playground he will latch on to his younger sibling or play imaginatively by himself. I am at a loss as to how to help him.

[margypops]

Sometimes you simply have to let them sort it out but I understand you wanting to help him, Are the children at school allowed to take a treasure ot a game with them that may be interesting to other children, how about he joins a school activitiy what about a sport after school.or a club.