Here comes that word again

Today we went to a festival in a nearby town and they had local firefighters there, fire trucks, and a medic helicopter that landed right in front of us. Evan of course thought this was very cool. Afterwards children had the opportunity to get inside the helicopter, shoot water from the fire hoses, get in the trucks, talk to the firefighters etc. Evan wanted so badly to see the helicopter so off we went to have a closer look and not to my surprise once we approached the helicopter, the medic, and all the other children he hid behind my leg literally burring his face in my bum. Ahhhh and then the coaxing began

Mommy: Evan, do you want to sit inside the helicopter? Mommy is right here, I can go with you...silence...more burring of the face. And then the usual responses follow

Lady behind us: "How old is he?". (She then leans down toward him )"Oh honey are you shy?"

I don't like that word, but am so used to this response that I usually just smile without a reply..and then we're on our way.

So back to the fire trucks. Evan loves fire trucks. In fact, he is always doing this whole pretend play scenario with his fire truck, and gets so excited every time we drive by the fire station. The conversation went something like this.

Mommy: Evan look that fire truck is like yours with the ladder. That is so cool.

Fire Fighter: Hey little guy, What's your name?

Evan: (Stands up and quickly walks to me and begins the tug on the leg..and here comes the bury part in between my legs this time).

Mom: His name is Evan.

Firefighter: Would you like to sit up here in the fire truck (he opens the door)

Evan: (Eyes light up)...silence..still hugging Mommy's leg...more silence

Firefighter: Oh are you shy? Well if you change your mind come and get me.

Mommy: (smile)..thank you..

There is that word again.."SHY"...seems to be a negative personality trait in our society. I like to think of him as an observer. He definitely has grown so much a far as being more social and outgoing in the past year. I have seen huge changes. Sometimes I get so upset because I want Evan to experience all there is to experience. I expose him, and it more often than not ends up being painful for everyone involved. I don't want him missing out on opportunities because of anxiety or fear. I know without a doubt he wanted to sit in that helicopter, and jump up and pretend to drive that fire truck. So then why didn't he? It makes me sad for him, and leaves me feeling perplexed .

My job although so completely frustrating at times (since our personalities are polar opposites) is to encourage him to embrace new opportunities, and hopefully give him the confidence and security to do so.