What to do with this activity?

Every child has a different personality, and some children are naturally shy or lacking in confidence in social situations. There's a lot you can do to help them to grow in confidence. 

1) Firstly, don't draw attention to their shyness - they will think there's something wrong with them. If someone else comments, deflect it with a compliment for your child like "she's taking note of everything that's going on". 

2) Encourage your child to express how they feel before and after an event that makes them anxious. Show them that you understand, and point out that other children might be feeling the same. Think together about how you could make someone else feel comfortable by being friendly, even in a quiet way.

3) Make unpredictable situations more predictable. For instance, explain what will happen at a birthday party before they go to one.

4) At home, act out social situations that usually make your child uncomfortable. Let them tell their soft toys that there is "nothing to worry about". 

5) Give them a few ways they can cope with their shyness, like giving them something to do. It could be a small toy they can fiddle with, and show someone.

6) Don't think of it as a problem. The good thing is that your shy child is likely to be more aware of other people than a child that is the centre of attention.