Lost for words over kids' selective silent treatment

DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR A FIRST TIME DAD OF TWINS

- RICHARD IRVINE

If I were to highlight one weakness with my children, it would be chitchat, or lack of it, with grownups.

There are other failings, but I feel as their father, I should dwell on the positives more than the negatives, apart from this week, when I will be complaining about the intense frustration of watching as they don't respond to questions.

It was my brother's birthday, so there was a get-together, rather than a party, as he’s too old for that, hence plenty of time to watch them painfully interact.

“How's school going?”

Uncle Bruce asked Emma, which she greeted with silence.

“Tell Uncle Bruce about the Forest Club,” I coaxed from the sidelines.