Unless you are a familiar teacher, friend or family member, don't even think of soliciting a verbal response to a question. Don't feel bad if you don't get a high five back, and definitely don't try to pick up the kid.
I realize there is a plus side to Stranger Danger, in that he won't run off with anyone he doesn't know, nor will he allow creepers to get near him, but it's tough for everyday activities.
Take swimming lessons for example. This is his first session without me in the water with him and week #1 was rough. I sat by the edge of the pool with him, but he cried the entire time while the other little boy let the teacher do whatever she wanted. The kid loves water and has no fear jumping off the side into our arms, but apparently if we're out of the water, it's not a fun game.
Week #2 though, I was prepared. I brought my suit, got there early, and played for 10 min before our lesson started. We had no tears, a slight smile or two, and overall much more interaction with the teacher. Although I can show him the basics of actual swimming, but I think this class will help build his confidence in dealing with new people and potentially increase his independence.
For now, I'll just have to see how much clapping and cheering from the sidelines it takes to crack that stoic, I'm-not-smiling-no-matter-what face displayed above.
I'm sure it's hard but at the same time, being cautious with unfamiliar people can be a good thing. He will find a happy medium I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteLeland has NO stranger danger at all right now. He walks up to random strangers and wants them pick him up. :/ I'm hoping he develops a healthy fear of strangers, but not so much that he's terrified of everyone. I'm glad that Drew had a better swim lesson this time. :)
ReplyDeleteI think him being cautious is a good thing. My niece and nephew are the same way.
ReplyDeleteI could have written this post myself, and it's such a relief to read someone else dealing with the same thing. My 25 month old has been VERY "stranger danger" since shortly before he turned two, and while I'm thankful for it sometimes, it's very hard for day to day activities. :(
ReplyDeleteMy son went through a stage like that, and it was tough when we wanted to try new things and I couldn't do it with him. But he grew out of it for the most part, he still won't just go off with a stranger but he will listen to me if I let him know its okay and that he will have fun.
ReplyDeleteHenry is going through the same stage. Anytime he is around anyone he doesn't really know he won't even so much as smile or whimper.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried peaking in on him during lessons? You can see him, but he can't see you? I had several kids who did much better when mommy/daddy/nanny weren't present (at least, not to the kid). He may warm up a little more to his instructor then.
ReplyDeleteBut, it's good he's not rushing off to every stranger he meets... Like my kid. He'll walk up and "talk" to about anyone. Eek!
He sounds like my Axle. People will speak to him and he will just drop his head. He doesn't even do well with other children. We have been tossing the idea of preschool for him around just for the social interaction and independence!
ReplyDeleteI can sooo related, it seems one of my kids is always going through a new phase...the class will help for sure!
ReplyDeletexo
Morgan
My mom loves to tell people how I would have given people the finger if I knew how at this age. She said it was nice because if anyone tried to kidnap me, they would have returned me immediately.
ReplyDeleteThis must be relatively recent because he was such a good boy and such a chatterbox when we met him a few weeks back.
ReplyDeleteTay gets "stranger danger" too, but will warm up to almost anyone once she realizes she can be the center of attention. Diva.
Em was the same way!!! Now she waits and will look at me to okay the person or not.
ReplyDeleteRight now Nolan is so talkative adults that it scares me some and wish he was more stranger danger...but not sure what age that conversation is appropriate?
ReplyDeleteWe went through the same thing when Felicia was that age. She would sometimes scream so loud when people talked to her that you would think they WERE trying to take her! Still at the age of 9, she looks to me first when someone she doesn't know tries to talk to her. Madelyn on the other hand, would talk to ANYONE!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll be able to find a middle ground. He looks so cute in the water!
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(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
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