Shy?

I'm feeling a bit sad today. I feel like the little girl I knew from the summer has really changed and I'm not sure in a good way. I was always secretly pleased and proud that Chloe was the sort of girl to confidently go into any situation. She would talk to grown-up she didn't know; she would make friends with children at the park; I remember sharing with you about her first ballet lesson when she wouldn't let any of the others get a word in edgeways. Now I feel like that little girl has almost gone.

We went to a party at the weekend for one of her school friends and nearly the whole class was there too. They had hired an older male entertainer for the party. He was teasing the children (and parents too!) and doing things like whacking them on the head with a plastic mallet. Chloe was not keen at all; I had to drag her inside and then she wouldn't leave my side for the first half of the party. Eventually I persuaded her when I went off to get a cup of tea but she still wouldn't dance around as freely as the other children and looked quite awkward in the middle of it all. 

I tried to chat the other mums and not make a big deal of it but inside my heart was fluttering for her. I don't feel like I know this girl who feels so vulnerable. It makes me tearful to think about her looking so uncomfortable. If it is her personality to be shy or a bit withdrawn, then of course I love her, no matter what. I always want her to know that she can be herself and I won't pressure her to be anyone else. But if there is something making her feel scared or nervous or self-conscious then that's not a good thing. 

I feel a bit helpless and unsure how to encourage her. I didn't know at the party if I should try tough love or if I should indulge her knowing that she truly didn't want to join in. I'm also aware that I am probably overreacting once again and I just need to relax and realise it's only been a few months since she started school. Again, I am thankful to my Heavenly Father as he watches over Chloe in everything she does and can give her confidence and peace in new situations.