well, it's 2 am now. Up late as usual.
I rushed to pick Isaac up from school so I could take him to work with me. The German store/Cafe Klatch I work at is very cosey, welcoming and comforting. What you would expect from a German restaurant. The owners (my bosses) are very kindly, an elderly couple. Dan (my boss) is prior service military who was also stationed in Germany many years ago. He has a lot of neat stories about Germany that I wish I could remember. His wife Inge, is very gracious and lovely.
She gives Isaac food candy and hugs! It makes my heart so happy for Isaac because he didn't grow up with an Oma. He is actually rather uncomfortable around elderly people and doesn't know what to do with himself. It makes me so sad. I worry about him sometimes. He acts almost angry when people greet him or ask him questions. I brush it off as him just being a boy, but, I don't know. I see other children enthusiastically answering questions and greeting people. I'm stumped.
I don't know what to do. I don't want Inge's feelings to become hurt becaus Isaac won't engage her in conversation or greetings and such.
I was told today by our new Chef (all of us are new, the staff) that Inge was very depressed and upset over the old chef that used to be there. The new chef said that Inge Never smiled until she hired us! She has arthritis in her hands real bad too and can't hardly hold a pencil to write.
I brought her some special cream and gave her the rest of it. I hope it helps her! That stuff actually got rid of a couple headaches that I've had! I use it for all sorts of stuff. I hope it works for her so she doesn't have to take pain pills!
Just personal observation here: I think boys do hesitate more than girls to engage socially. If I had my way, I'd hide in a dark hole. But there's something more. They hesitate when they sense something is expected of them and they don't know what that epectation is.
ReplyDeleteSo a boy will hesitate when he is aware people expect him to treat seniors a certain way, but what are they looking for? Result: His best bet is to just shut down.
And then, some people are just good at drama.
Come to think of it, my girls are pretty stiff around some seniors. Not famiy, though. Sometimes I think we have to tell people what's expected of them in social situations. I keep teaching my daughters to say "yes sir" and "yes mam" instead of "uh-huh." It stil doesn't connect!
bessings, david
I have noticed Isaac behave in that manner before, as well. I just figured he was just extremely shy and a little nervous. So, yeah, I guess letting him know what's appropriate and normal sounds like a good idea. I dunno, I'm definitely no expert!
ReplyDelete-Karen
Isaac seems to have eased up around Dan and Inge and has been himself. That's a relief!
ReplyDelete