Tiarnan's concern for his grandmother

Tiarnan is eleven months old. Yet, at times, he shows a sophisticated social understanding.

Yesterday, he saw his mother and grandmother talking at length. His grandmother was standing up. Seeing this, he approached her and took her hand, and said: "Dudok" which is Malay for "Sit down."

Two things were evident from this incident. Firstly, Tiarnan understood that his grandmother might be tired standing up - and was concerned for her. Secondly, he chose to use his grandmother's first language (which is not his own first tongue), knowing that she is more familiar with that, than with English, although she does speak English, too. As an act of social judgement, it showed quite a lot of finesse to expect from such a little boy.

With luck Tiarnan will grow into a socially sensitive young man - for he is already showing good signs. Carry on Tiarnan!