Psychology says children who hide behind parents around guests aren’t always shy

A child who refuses to greet relatives, buries their face in their mother's shoulder or stands behind their father when guests arrive may be communicating something different from shyness. Here's what parents need to know about children's social behaviour, unfamiliar people and the pressure to interact.When a child hides behind a parent, what are they really saying?It happens in many Indian homes. A relative arrives, an uncle bends down to say hello, or a family friend asks a child their name. Instead of answering, the child moves behind their mother, holds on to their father's leg or turns their face away. The adults may laugh. Someone says, “Why are you so shy?” Another asks, “Don't you know how to greet guests?” The child is encouraged to say namaste, shake hands or answer a few questions.