Question
HI John,
Have you any advice for a child of 3 years, with a sensitive, cautious temperament, in dealing with more rowdy, active children? She has never been to childcare. However many kids out there pick up on the fact that she is gentle and meek, and take advantage of her gentleness to try to snatch things from her, hit, push or yell at her to go away if she appears anxious (which is often the case around the more active children). Even her gentler cousin bullies her but will not dare attempt such things around other more assertive children. She will usually dissolve into tears if I'm out of sight, or gets terribly anxious, runs and hides behind me. I really feel her pain. Have you got any tips or suggestions for me to support her, and help her develop more assertiveness and confidence in handling her peers? She's always been encouraged to share, be kind and gentle with others and she does exhibit these qualities but they don't seem to help in gaining her peers respect.
