Is your 5/6 year old shy?

I have DS in camp and notice he is not as outgoing as so many of the other kids. He barely says hi to any of the other kids or go up to them independently (usually smiles and curls up with the shy face). Sometimes when they play in groups, he often choses to go on the playground and play on his own or with a few others. He does interact well, is not withdrawn socially, and has friends but he chooses to be on his own a lot. So many moms know about him bc their kids talk highly of him so I know he is a good boy and plays well when I am not around. Do you think this 'being okay with being on his own' has to do with him being an only child? I have an older sister andwas attached to her hip untl I was 14 so I dont know anything about this behavior.

Re: Is your 5/6 year old shy?

My 5 year old DD is extremely shy in certain situations, it was to the point of social anxiety. She was like this from age 3 and I think something happened in pre-school and that was it. Last year she wouldn't talk to any of the girls in her class, I think she spoke to the the teacher and assistant teacher maybe 12 times total the entire year. If she didn't know you or felt uncomfortable around you, you got the look of death from her.
Then I signed her up for camp. I was really nervous because I knew she would be separated from her brother (she is very attached to him and he is only a year older) but she could see him. I warned the counselors and when I picked her they told me she did great. She talks to all the girls in her group (the groups are separated by gender) and she talks to her counselors. They had family fun night there one night and had a DJ. Her friends were there and she was annoying the DJ and telling him they wanted to sing and she was singing into the mic. It choked DH and I up to see her like that.
So it does get better. People would tell me she would come out of her shell and I didn't believe her, but she has come a long way. Don't get me wrong, she still will not talk to certain people including my father, brothers, FIL. She has a harder time talking to men than woman. Give it time. One thing that I think really has helped her is I have her in karate and dance. Maybe try to put in a group activity that he enjoys. Also, play dates do help. I was always told to have them for her, but it was difficult for me because of the other 2 kids.

Re: Is your 5/6 year old shy?