Comfort Levels With Strangers

Children, when they come into my classes, have all different levels of comfort when it comes to being with strangers. Either they are cautious, or perhaps afraid or maybe Highly Sensitive (see my book favorites). One little girl who is almost 2 years old is a good example. She felt best on Mommy's lap and not much eye contact or otherwise with me. I respected her need and in every class, (we are now in week 8) I (because I am Highly Sensitive)have been able to sense and act according to her comfort level with active participation particularly with me. See, I understand that part of the reason parents love Kindermusik for their children, is because they would like them to have a variety of social experiences with people of all ages! So, I make it one of my goals to encourage interaction. She has responded positivlely to me yet very cautiously (my guess is that she IS Highly Sensitive). She has a wonderful mom who is very patient and who trusts that my lack of interaction with her daughter is planned and with the best interest of her little girl in mind! Now today, during musical ball time~~~~she responded to my suggestion that we play catch~~~! With big, yet quiet smiles, we played together and really connected. It meant a lot to her, but probably even more to me!!