My 5 year old daughter is too outgoing.

[luvbug6797]

My daughter is happy, kind and smart.  She is an only child who has received tons of attention from grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.  She has wonderful languages skills and often talks far more than other children.  She was born outgoing. That is why she learned to express herself so young. For example my husband and I were at the mall when our daughter was 2 years old.  She was with her father. As I shopped I heard a band and a lot of clapping and cheering. Instantly I knew that my daughter was up to something.  I walked out of the store to find her dancing in the middle of a circle of people enjoying every second of attention. I am concerned that she is so outgoing that she will be made fun of by the other kids.  I have already seen this at preschool.  I just don't know if I should let her know that she should tone it down or else she will be made fun of, or should I let her be who she is and deal with the consequences?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

I really do not see any worthwhile benefit in addressing this, apart from helping her to learn what is appropriate in particulalr situations. For example, she should not indiscriminately go up to people and start chatting, outside the presence of you or her father. With her peers, she will learn by experience, based on the feedback her behavior elicits.