My daughter, was/is shy.... as she's gotten older, she has blossomed.
We, NEVER, made her feel 'weird' just because she was shy.
That is who she is.
She was like your son.
NO biggie.
My daughter, is very mature, always has been, and KNOWS herself. We always, taught her to BE HERSELF. She is therefore, a very wise/cognizant child about social situations and friends. Because... though 'shy', she is also very observant. And that, is a GOOD thing.
She... knows herself and can astutely evaluate other kids/people. THEN, if she is comfortable and if she wants to, she will engage or not.
THAT is fine and that is good.
She has good, instincts.
Kids, often go through stages of being shy.
NOTHING is 'wrong' with that.
Kids... or adults, do not have to be, gregarious or extroverted.
"Shy" is a 'bad' characteristic to some.
NOT for us or our daughter.
MANY highly successful people and celebrities, are inherently, shy.
So what.
My daughter in 3rd grade, was chosen by her Teacher, as a "Leader" for her class. BECAUSE, though 'shy'... her Teacher saw that she is also very mature and wise... for her age. And my Daughter, excels.... and has many friends. SHE consciously CHOOSES her friends... and she makes, good choices.
She is NOT a "Follower." She is herself. Always.
THAT is a good thing.
So what, if a child is shy.
You cannot expect them to be just extroverted all the time and every place.
Adults are not even that way.
We also do not force, our children, to be a certain way.
We teach them, to go by their instincts. And they have good instincts.
To always... be themselves.
NOT what others want you to be.
They are their own, person.
An individual.
Your son is so young.
At this age, KEEP in mind that their emotions are not even fully developed yet... nor their social aptitude.
Nurture, HIM, for who he is.
Teach him about people... and how to discern people and situations.
I was teaching my kids that since 2 years old.
They are now 8 and 4 years old and are very good, about knowing themselves and others.
Shyness or being extroverted, has nothing to do with, whether one child is better than the other.
Do not ever, make your son feel that something is 'wrong' with him.
Let him be himself.
NOR feel you have to be 'apologetic' to others, just because he is more shy.
We never did that with our daughter.
She is a VERY confident/self-assured child, who is always, herself.
Again, NOTHING is 'wrong' with your child.
MANY kids are this way.
Do not, compare him to others.
Kids, this age or any age, can also be more 'shy'... when tired or over-tired. And they get clingier, at these times as well.
KNOW YOUR child's cues.