Hi everybody!

I have a son of four years old. He is playful around the house and within the compound. But when we visit our relatives with him, he is pretty shy, and won't laugh or play like he does at home. Even on the park, he is not playful like other kids, I don't see the brightness, tense free look and happiness on his face like other kids have. I see other kids laughing and gigling like nothing has ever bother them. When he is outdoor, I see his face depressed and tensed and even he won't laugh or won't give a smile for photo shot.
But at home, he is jubiliant, brightly playing, laughing and running around. Being his father I spend most of the time with him at home.
What bothers me is, is this going to persist even in future? Or is it just normal? Will he be playful and cheery among his friends?

I was worse. Even at family functions I would literally hide behind my mother. I would wrap myself around her leg. At the park, I would play with my brother and the neighbor kids that lived across the street. But if anyone else was around, forget it. It even took me a while to play with my cousins if I went a while without seeing them. I like to think I'm considered a normal person now :) I have friends that I'm close with. But if we go out with people outside of my circle it still takes me a while to warm up to the people who are new to me. My prediction is that he'll end up with a few really good friends. Which I prefer. I'd rather have my few really good friends, than lots of friends that I'm not as close to. It's all about quality, not quantity.

I think this is normal, if not it's natural; people do tend to be more comfortable in their own homes.

Why not start taking your son out a little more often, start with library trips; most libraries have a certain time or day of the week where there are other children and have a story time.

If he's 4 then he's going to be going to kinder garden soon [right?]- so it's best to get him out there and start warming up to being around others than just leaving him on the first day completely exposed -eek.

So my suggestion is to take him out more often, if your family has children, I suggest going over more often and maybe having fun sleepovers [if he likes pirates make it a pirate themed sleepover].

Just try to take his playtime outside more often.

I think he's fine- there is nothing wrong with being shy or being comfy in your own environment.

Sarah

Thank you curious55 and sarah for your replies.

Well, as to sarah, he has already joined the kindergarten and according to his teacher, he is rather quiet in the class. If asked anything he will bow down his head and not speak a word.
I love being with him, and to be his father and closest friend I behave like of his age and have great fun, and its totally heck of the time for my wife. I took him to the library once, but he didn't like it and so we came out soon.

The thing is, he is jolly when he is with us, but not in others presence... all I can hope is... I hope he gets well with the time.

Sorry to say I think you caused this. His only playmate is you and has no idea how to relate to children because he has had no real exposure. Where I come from there is something called play therapy, which may help him with all his issues. Get involved with playgroups in which your wife will have an active part.