AboutSue Expertise I will answer questions in the area of Child Development for children ages two to five. This includes social, emotional, cognitive & language development, large motor & fine motor skills, behavioral issues, potty training and parental concerns. I can give ideas for lesson plans and classroom activities. I will also help with daycare/preschool policies. I can also help with licensing requirements for preschools/daycare, however, I am only familiar with the licensing requirements for the state of Michigan.
Experience I have been teaching in preschools for 25 years. My main experience has been with children two to five years of age. The last 16 years I have been the lead teacher for the pre-kindergarten program.
Organizations NAEYC
Education/Credentials I have a B.S. degree and a teaching certificate in elementary education with a ZA endorsement (child development) from my graduate level classes.
Expert: Sue Date: 12/30/2007 Subject: Shy 5 year old
Question Our 5 year old daughter is extremely shy. She won't talk to any grownups (aunts, uncles, neighbors, etc.) except me and my wife and her daycare providers.
An example..We went over to her aunt's house for Christmas.
She would not talk to her aunt, or open up her gifts. She "clung" to my wife. This is common for her to do around everybody.
She will not talk or say "thank you"(for gifts) on the phone. I asks her why and she said she is afraid and/or uncomfortable.
Her daycare (child development) teachers say she is "opening up" allot with the teachers and her siblings.
She is normal (but a little shy) at daycare. She is developing fine.
I discussed this (shyness) with her pediatrician, and he did not seem too concerned about it. He said it was sometime normal. Not to worry.
She does not have any friends except at daycare.
She is "extremely normal and talkative around me and my wife.
What do you think of this situation? Is it normal? What is your opinion? Thanks for your time........
Answer Hi Bob,
It is normal for some children to be extremely shy. The fact that she is "opening up" at her daycare is very encouraging. Some children take a long time to feel comfortable around other people. Then just when they start to feel comfortable, there's a time when they don't see them and it's like starting all over.
Just be patient and don't pressure her or she may withdraw even more. If she doesn't want to talk or join in, it's ok. If possible maybe she have a friend over from her school to play with or perhaps meet somewhere for lunch.
Your daughter just needs to build her self-esteem and confidence. Ask her teacher for suggestions and to keep you informed on how she is doing.
