So your baby is a little shy. Yes, it can be worrisome but you can help her overcome it.

How Will You Know?

Notice how she spends her day.

If she is a naturally quiet child who tends to move into her shell when there is company, then she is probably just shy.

Psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. Jyoti Maheshweri says, "Childhood shyness can depend on individual personality, any possible defects like stuttering and stranger anxiety."

That is why you need to understand why your child is shy, before deciding whether she needs to be treated.

It Is Just Her

Not all children will say "hello" to any guest who comes home. You may feel the need to push your child to socialise. But it is perfectly fine if she is content being alone. She just has a naturally shy personality.

She is at peace with herself and is well behaved. So, let her be. Don't force her to mingle. It will only frustrate her and make her think that something is wrong with her.

Stranger Anxiety

If she is usually chatty but becomes withdrawn around company, your child may just have stranger anxiety.

Every child has a comfort zone around her. This could be her home and the people she interacts with on a daily basis. But when guests are over, she might feel like her comfort zone has been invaded and become withdrawn.

However, you could ease her into social company. You could start with one friend or her grandparents. If she feels comfortable at home, invite a child of the same age over. Introduce the two and play with them for a while.

Once you find her comfortable, leave the kids alone to play. This will encourage your little one's social skills.

If you have enrolled your child in a play group, speak to his teachers and helpers about his shyness. Rope in their help so that they can also help him come out of his shell. Encourage him to shake hands, or just say 'hi!'.