Diary of a Home alone dad: day 11
Last night, after posting on this blog, I took Little Madam and Little Nutter with me on a couple of errands. We ended up in the supermarket buying something for our dinner – and I bought them both a gingerbread man.
At the checkout, I unwrapped these treats and handed them over. Little Madam chirped happily, “Thank you Daddy!” but Little Nutter, as usual, said nothing. I did, however, get a bright smile with full eye-contact . Delightful.
Cue Perfect Parent at the next checkout, “You really should make your son say ‘thankyou’ as well.”
My reply, “We will work on the ‘thankyous’ when he can talk properly” didn’t satisfy her.
“Typical useless dad.”
Red rag to bull time.
What can be done about these people?
Two alternatives: “Typical useless busybody” or ignore them. Don’t let them spoil the moment. I know enough times I’ve had people try to tell me off over my youngest’s weird behaviour in public (not bad, mind you, just weird or, as we know, autistic-inspired).
“I’ll thank you to mind your own business” works as well.
Comment by ancarett — March 23, 2003 @ 1:34 pm
Oooh, I like that last one, Ancarett. Although I think I woudl have done the “We will work on the ‘thankyous’ when he can talk properly” thing first too.
Gah, who needs people like that, Gareth? I think it’s fantastic you got the eye contact and smile!
Forget that stupid woman. I bet she never had a hubby who stayed home with the kids for 11 days like you are doing.
Comment by Allie — March 24, 2003 @ 3:16 am
Gah. What an idiot. Bah the world is full of them. Don’t worry Gareth, you’ll get through
Have fun without Imogen!
Love,
Bee.
Comment by Bee — March 24, 2003 @ 8:16 am
My little brother is autistic too and I wish people could be a bit more tolerant. People who act like that really irk me, especially when they act condescending.
I guess we’ve just got to remember the good people and forget the bad.
Marni
Comment by Shimmer — March 25, 2003 @ 2:36 am