Hellobee Boards

@BabyTsMom: I think he's at the age where separation anxiety really kicks in. I do think that it helps to have times where you regularly drop him off somewhere to get him used to being around other people.

How much do you talk to him when he gets like that? I would always tell my daughter "Ok, we're going to see a some new people!" before we got there, and then re-state it like "hey! Look who it is! Let's go give them a high-5". So, starting with something small, like a high-5 works them up to understanding that these people are ok, and then (hopefully) by the time we leave, she's usually open to getting a hug.

Even if he clings to you in public you make sure to encourage and not pressure and you yourself enjoy! Even if you are holding him the whole time sometimes kids will warm up when mom holds them but in a sense ignores them Nd engage in her sleep an conversation and enjoy. Oftentimes they will look around Nd observe and walk or crawl away

I think this is very normal, my DS was very shy around strangers from about 13 - 16 months (never went through that phase as a baby either). He's just realising that he's a separate being from you. My DS is now 19 months and is completely past this stage, in fact I am now having to encourage him to perhaps not try to hug and kiss strangers in the park!

I would carry on going to the classes and seeing people, but I wouldn't put any pressure on him to separate (obvs unless you need to leave him for whatever reason). Definitely tell him in advance, and when he's acting shy then I'd just let him sit with you for as long as he needs to. I'd acknowledge that he's upset and that its ok to feel that way. I think they can understand much more than we think, and even if he doesn't fully understand the words he'll get the message through your tone

I'm very interested in this. My youngest (28 months) has always been incredibly shy. I mean with everyone but her sisters, DH and I. Even her grandparents that she has seen at least once a week since birth she will cry when we leave and doesnt' offer much affection to. She will hide her face or cover her face when someone else tries to talk to her or play with her. It's especially hard when it's family bc not everyone understands and they take offense to it. She is a lot better at home, since that's her safe place.
I hope this passes or at least gets better. It can be very tough. She also has to go into daycare within the month which will be awful for awhile simply bc she seems terrified to be left with anyone but it has to happen. So, I'm holding out hope maybe it will help her come out of her shell some.

@BabyTsMom: I'm confident it's a personality thing at this point with my LO. She's always been this way. She's an extreme introvert which is totally different from my other two daughters and myself. But my husband says he was like that some too although my MIL doesn't remember him being as severe as DD. I wish everyone could see how amazingly sweet and funny she is but most people think she's unhappy and it makes me sad.