helping child with no confidence
ive had this child since january. i would say she has settled as such (she was awful when started), but she is so lacking in confidence it makes things hard work. she has progressed but feel like ive hit a bit of a wall now and dont know how to take it any further.
when she started she would not let me go. unless i was sat on the sofa cuddling her all day she would scream. at groups she had to sit on my lap or else all hell broke loose (she was about 10 months). now she will sit away from me, will explore a little and is fine in familliar environments to an extent but
1) if another child touches her too much or even in the slightest bit too heavy handed she will scream
2) she doesnt really interact with other children in any way really other than maybe a smile
3) she still isnt particular interactive with her environment - i call her a watcher, she would much rather watch the other children play than do it herself
4) any new activity, outing or experience however small she will scream. i find it hard to plan and get pictures/observations of her because she doesnt do much.
5) is very quiet hardly ever makes a noise other than crying.
what can i do to help her get further. she has come along way in my opinion from when she started i just need some advice in furthering it. she is now 17 months ish. i know we shouldnt compare as all children are different but all the children in my care are between one and two and i would love to get her to a level of confidence anywhere near close to my other mindees. i have never know a child so unconfident and fearful of everything.