Your dad's fat!

Hans has been attending Art classes for over a year now. I take him for these classes and wait for an hour or more as he engrosses himself in a world of colours. Hans has never not wanted to attend his Art classes.

 

Craigley finds it difficult to believe that Hans can focus for that long and produce his masterpieces! So, I asked Craigley to accompany Hans to one of his Art classes. The Art teacher is quite accommodating of parents who wish to sit in on the classes. So, Craigley did attend a class and we have a story!

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Craigley didn't look too happy when he got back from the Art class. So, I inquired if everything went alright. All he muttered was that he didn't want Hans to spend anymore time than necessary with that boy in the Art class. Craigley definitely was referring to J since he was the only other boy! J has more energy than most boys, however that is not unusual. So, what happened?

 

Apparently, J exclaimed to Hans "Your dad's fat!" as soon as our son introduced his father to his Art mate! My unspoken thought was that the boy did not say anything that is not true. Craigley has gained some pounds over the years and in all fairness, so have I. I didn't really understand Craigley's outburst regarding J's comment.

 

So, with a little prodding, I got some more information. Craigley's frustration mostly was due to J's mom's reaction. Apparently, she just looked at her son and smiled! Craigley felt like she should have reprimanded her son and taught him some manners! Under normal circumstances, I would have agreed with Craigley; however, there are always exceptions to what we like to call "normal". I let Craigley know that J's mom does not know English and J is the first one in their family to be born in Canada. "So what?", was the reaction.

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Arrgh! Sometimes, it is very difficult to explain anything to Craigley. It is just that for immigrant parents, who know no English or very little English, it is a great joy when their Canadian born children speak English as "it should be spoken"! They may not understand everything their child is speaking, but they beam in pride when their child speaks! I am sure if J's mom had understood J's comment about Craigley, she would have definitely had a chat with her son!

 

So, how is Craigley now? I think he has already forgotten about the incident, and Hans and J continue to have a fun time in the Art class.