Outgoing relatives, shy child XP

katiewhompus

We are going on a vacation this summer to see some of my H's relatives and I could use some help.

Dd is the kind of kid who is super affectionate... after she has had time to warm up to you. When we go to playgroups, she will stand at the door and watch for 10 minutes, then wade into the activity on her own time. She is very sensitive to strangers and dislikes surprises or people touching her who she doesn't know.

Most of H's relatives are very friendly, loud, exuberant people. The classic "screech hello while pinching your cheeks" kind of thing. I know that Dd is going to freak out upon meeting them because, well, they scare me with their outgoingness and I'm an adult and used to them.

When I have breached the topic with H, he just says Dd will be fine, or that "she needs to get used to it". I disagree but don't know how to tell his relatives to calm it down without hurting their feelings/them taking it personally. 

law&order

This sounds a lot like my son. He is very cautious around new people and does best when he has time to warm up on his terms, especially when he's in a new place. 

When we are entering a new situation with new people, I try to talk it up to m

Zimger

It doesn't sound like she is shy. It sounds like she may be introverted. I've done quite a bit of reading on the subject matter because I am introvertered. There are books that discuss Introverted children and how to help them integrate themselves into

LatteLady5

I saw your post on AP and this was my thought too. My DH is naturally introverted and it took him awhile before he could comfortably socialize. We both love acting and drama and he believes that he is better able to socialize and relate to people becau

katiewhompus

She is def. an introvert. Raising Your Spirited Child has helped a ton at home, but it's hard when others don't understand/accept/respect that (I'm an introvert too, but H and his relatives are not)

beezybaby

DD is the same way, now that she knows that awful word "no" she will purse her lips, turn away, and say "noooo" when someone new reaches out to her too fast or too aggressively- When she is with me, her introverted, need my personal space momma.