March 24, 2008

Raising A Charmer

One of the behavioral pet peeves I have with my children is when an adult talks to them and they either refuse to respond or say something rude. It’s never intentional for them to offend in these circumstances but due to my lack of preparation, they’ve not known what to say. So when the kids are young, we usually play role-play games in the car, on the way to functions.

And it usually goes something like this…

Me: What do you say when someone says hello to you?

Kids: Hello

Me: What do you say when you receive a gift?

Kids: Thank-you

Me: What do you say if you don’t like it or you already got one?

Kids: Thank-you

(I only know to ask these questions because of the horrifying moments we’ve found ourselves in, when they’ve responded from the gut.)

So while we were in the car on the way to a party tonight I was working with Gabe who’s four.

I asked him the Hello question, and then I posed this one…

Say Mrs. Shelton comes up to you and says you look handsome, what do you say?

I was looking for a thank-you but Gabe’s response was…

You look beautiful!

That’ll work!

Watch out ladies!

12 comments:

Halfmoon Girl said...

What a sweet response. I wish he was around today when one of my sons informed me that I had a Roman nose, and proceeded to explain why" "it has a bump right here and then goes straight down." I could have used a simple "you look beautiful!" at that moment!

MarshaMarshaMarsha said...

Oh man, he is brilliant!

Anonymous said...

You have taught your young man well! Too funny!

Anonymous said...

I have no idea how many times I have walked away from an encouter with my head hanging from something my son has said. The girls are not as bad about it but the boy, oh-my-word. I will have to try giving them situation practice like that.
Ooh, I should mention that I have had the talks with them and told them several appropriate responses but for some reason those responses just never come out of their mouths. This is where you insert me with mortified look on my face and walking away with my head hanging in parenting shame.

Anonymous said...

That is so cute. What a nice response. My kids do the look away not responding thing. I am forever telling them to look at the person and answer. Smart little guy that Gabe is:)
:>Michelle
@hsb SeekingJesusnTeachingKids

Jenny said...

Yes, that will work! I'm pretty sure that one of my children has said "I know" in response to "your so cute". (rolleyes) Oh my.

brooke said...

That's so cute. What a ladykiller. :)

Leanne said...

Ah, Mrs. Shelton would probably love that....did he say it???

Look on your porch, on the chair, okay???

Leanne

penguinsandladybugs said...

Oh yeah....he's a natural!! It will only get more tweaked as he gets older =0)

Karen Hossink said...

That'll work, indeed. And will get the little guy far in life! *grin*

EEEEMommy said...

His wife will love you! ;)

Stacy said...

You, too?

This is SO one of my pet peeves. I can't tell you how many times someone has asked my kids a question and they just look at the floor or something. UGH.

We have to role-play in preparation, too.

Love your son's response! :)

~Stacy

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