"Aww, look at him!"
"A little Redskins fan!"
"What's his name?"
"How old is he?"
I practically answer on auto-pilot now. The attention doesn't bother me. I appreciate that everyone thinks I have a cute kid. Cleary, I agree.
BUT in addition to being cute, Camden is also very shy. For a long time, I chalked up his hesitation around new people to stranger anxiety (and I'm sure that's part of it) but I've come to realize that this is also simply his personality. He's a shy, slow-to-warm-up kid. Rumor has it that his mom was the same way.
Around people, Camden typically behaves in one of three ways:
- He loves you, and will give you a big toothy grin and shower you with attention OR
- He tolerates you, and might stare at you with curiosity or just kind of ignore you altogether OR
- He avoids you like the plague. And if you try to approach him, he clings to me and cries.
So, not surprisingly, Camden detests the attention that's showered on him when we're out in public. And it puts me in an awkward situation when I'm trying to acknowledge compliments and be polite but I'm also trying to respect my son's needs. Lately, I'll say a quick word of thanks while Camden clings to me tightly and then I'll walk away to redirect his attention elsewhere.
I came across this article about toddlers with the Shy Personality Type and one line in particular made me laugh and nod my head in recognition & agreement:
"By age 9 months, many easy babies will smile at strangers, but shy kids will frown & cling...they will also study, with intensity, how a game is played before jumping in. Their motto is: 'When in doubt, don't!'"
While Camden is spirited and adventurous around the house (running everywhere, climbing up the outside of the stairs, yelling, laughing, & making his Mommy worry that he might grow up to be a Stunt Man), the second we set foot in our weekly Story Time session, he sits in my lap and observes or stands against the wall and watches the teacher with shy eyes. It's like a totally different kid than my Wild Man who runs throughout the house all day.
I guess if he was an actual celebrity, Camden would be the kind that wears big, dark shades and oversized hats pulled down low over his face so that he's not recognizable to the paparazzi.
It's tough work being a cute kid.
6 comments:
Ah, Aedan is the exact same way! At home he is always on the move and always laughing or babbling or even yelling. But as soon as we go out, he clams up and just wants to observe whats going own. I was the exact same way so I guess that's where he gets it. :)
My son is the same way. Excited, adventurous, laughing, and smiling at home. Very serious and shy in public.
awww well first of all, he is a very cute kid! And I can totally relate, except my toddler is ok with some strangers, and just smiles at them... its at the doctors office that we have to hardest time... then she is a screaming clinging mess. LOL I am a new follower and I already love your blog! Can't wait to read more! feel free to come visit me over at http://sassysippycupsandstickysarcasm.blogspot.com/
Awe that is too cute. How fun to see his personality shine through. Thanks for continuing to be supportive of our journey, it means a lot! I posted a blog last week with awards and then totally forgot to tell people about it. Soooo, while it's late, I have an award waiting for you!
That is so interesting about the 9 month fact. Lexi has definitely turned into the clingy anxious type that is too shy to smile or wave (until we leave, then she turns it on). It's interesting to me because I was the complete opposite as a toddler. I loved people and was super social. Stephen was kind of social too so I don't know where she gets the shyness but I think it's dang cute! And yes, having a cute kid definitely gives you (or them, i suppose) celebrity status!
He is his mother's son. You were exactly like that. But don't kid yourself about all the attention. You forgot to mention it was all men. Having a cute baby just gives them an excuse to talk to you.
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