Both daddy and I aren’t social creatures. We are extremely uncomfortable when it comes to community stuff. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to us that our boy is like us, rather anti-social.
You probably can tell from my blog that we’re a rather close-knitted family. We hardly join parties, or for that matter, even join anything else. We basically thrive best when left on our own, to have our own fun. Birthday parties, except for his first, were always kept within the family. And I never even bother to celebrate for him in school, using the excuse that it’s always a public holiday.
But I thought he should get more involved in kiddy stuff. Like Sunday’s McDonald’s show for example. I thought it was worth losing some nap time and he should enjoy himself with the shows and activities.
Well, except for the fries, he wasn’t very keen on the entire show. He didn’t even want to be too near the crowd and when it was time for the puppet show, he said he wanted to go home.
I cannot read his mind very well but I guess I was too presumptions. He was obviously uncomfortable and I can understand that feeling quite well.
As a kid, I went to a Church once with my primary school teacher. Geez. I remember I felt so out of place and refused to join in the singing and the praying. That must be how my son had felt. Not being able to fit in.
I can’t say if this is a good or a bad thing. This could be a passing phase and it’s probably too early to conclude that he’s anti-social even. For all we know, he may turn out to be a social butterfly, unlike us. And if that happens, we will probably have more to worry about then.
My MIL always say.. the apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree.. hahha!! No worries.. i’m sure .. he will turn out just fine..
PB was this way too.. when he was young.. but he does fine.. so no worries.. 
MB: That’s an interesting say from your MIL.
Ya, I suppose he’ll be alright. Like us too… 
Comment by Mama Bok — Tue, 29 May 2007 @ 10:34 am
He’s still young. There’s no telling what Gavin will be like til he begins proper schooling as in going to Primary school. Maybe then, he will not want to go home early but hang out with the boys in school.
DR: Yup, that’s true. And then I’ll have more to worry then… but I had also thought that he might like kiddy shows like most of the other kids…oh well…
Comment by domestic rat — Tue, 29 May 2007 @ 11:43 am
I think my family is similar to yours. We don’t join in a community. Quoting you, we’re better when left alone, in our own close-knitted world. Not that we can’t mix, but we’d rather not.
I think it’s perfectly alright. I won’t even label it “anti-social”. Besides, what is socializing? It’s basically doing things to fit into the society. A fair amount of it means subjecting to peer pressure and conventions. I always feel that it’s important to let the child decide for himself what he’s comfortable with.
ee: Ya, that’s exactly what we are…not wanting to conform in a lot of ways…
Comment by earthember — Tue, 29 May 2007 @ 11:49 am
I hear you…both hubby and myself are not very sociable person as well. Thus, i’m not surprised that Damien prefers to be a loner in school…though he does mix around with his friends, but he is definitely not those ’social butterfly’. I do worried at times, but i believe that each child is an unique individual, i don’t think he’s anti-social..he just takes a longer time to warm up. So don’t worry about Gavin, cos with your guidance, he’ll definitely grow up fine!
Eileen: Damien too? Hmm…I was under the impression that he can mix quite well. I remember his girlfriends…hahaha…
Comment by Eileen — Tue, 29 May 2007 @ 4:55 pm
You know, you’re so warm I hardly think of you as anti social.
carrie: People who don’t know me well will describe me as cold and aloof. But of course I do warm up with people I know.
Comment by carrie — Tue, 29 May 2007 @ 5:09 pm
Maybe that poor fashion red head Ronald doesnt appeal to Gavin though he is very popular in many children.
Fortunately, my girls show no interest to him too :p
But, unless Thomas train and his gang of engines are showing up, that for sure will be a different story
wtpg: Well, he didn’t mind Ronald so much…it was the activities that he didn’t fancy. He just refused to follow whatever they were doing…
Comment by wtpg — Wed, 30 May 2007 @ 1:46 pm
Your son doesn’t sound anti-social, he might be just shy. On the other hand, that Mcdonald’s activity might have been just boring for him, I remember feeling that way as a child sometimes. My son is in a way like me, he enjoys reading, and he would choose stay at home reading than going to a pulic activity, especially if he doesn’t know anybody there. I know he is not a social person, but I also know he is a happy child, and at the end, that is all that matters
mfm: Maybe so…I’m not certain as well. I suppose I was just being presumptious. But I agree with you. That what’s more important is that he’s a happy child.
Comment by mfm — Thu, 31 May 2007 @ 8:55 am
Hmm… I have to evaluate us and see where my kids fit in now..
ZM: As in what they take after?
Comment by zara's mama — Thu, 31 May 2007 @ 2:33 pm