If your child has developed stranger anxiety, don't be upset or embarrassed. Babies normally become nervous around unfamiliar people at approximately 7 months. If he cries when you put him in a distant relative's arms, for example, take him back in your arms and try a slow desensitization process. Work on having him be comfortable in your arms while the other person is around. Then, have the individual talk and play with your child while you hold him. Then, hand him over to the other person for a short time, and stay close. Finally, try to leave the room for a few minutes, and see how it goes. If your child bawls, try again. "Go in and out of the room, and eventually, your child will be secure in the knowledge that even though you're not around at the moment, you will always return shortly," says Dr. David Geller, a Boston pediatrician.
Toddlers can benefit from having peers around, so arrange playdates with other kids, but make sure you have plenty of toys for everyone. Your child may have difficulty sharing his things with others, but you can minimize sharing conflicts.
If you have a 2- or 3-year-old who seems selfish to you, you may worry that you have spoiled him. Don't take it so personally. Kids this age are self-centered by nature. Still, it's important to take the opportunity to model good behavior — saying "please" and "thank you," complimenting someone on a job well done, sharing — and your child will learn soon enough. Join playgroups or sign him up for classes so he gets a chance to be with other kids. Soon he'll learn how to make and keep friends, and will have an active social life.