You guys all know how nice I am, right? So, why have my children developed the habit of saying everything polite in the most impolite way? Is it me? Have I somehow made them think that being funny makes being rude okay? um...that might be a rhetorical question. Yeah, it is.
Since their birth I have been working on my girls manners. I can't control much of their behavior but that is a habit I can instill. When they order in a restaurant I ask them to make eye-contact with the waitperson and clearly state their order....this is more difficult than it sounds since it's usually the drive-thru.
The most annoying thing is that I still (after all this time) have to give them the "look" to get them to remember their manners. It used to be, "Princess CoCo what do you say?" or "Princess MiMi how do we ask for that?" but then I slowly implemented the "look" which sends that same message telepathically. However, the little brats darlings have taken to exagerating the word I am looking for and rolling their eyes as they do it. The effect is not, shockingly, polite.
"LuLu give me the salt." Manners are a Must Glare from Mom. "Pass the salt , PUHLEEEESE." Then a little eye roll.
"Go get my coat." Manners are a Must Glare from Mom. "Mom, will you please go get my coat for me?" she says this in a falsetto voice with her eyes batting.
Why oh why couldn't I have gotten children with the manners of an English Lord? it would be nice if they had that classy anglo accent too.
"Mother, sorry to bother you old chap, would you be so kind and gather my outerwear?"
"Darling Sister, can I trespass on your good graces to pass the salt?"
At least then I could use my telepathic skills for good instead of evil...
I too have mastered the Mommy look...and feel like I've completely turned into my mother ever time I give "the look".
Good luck with the manners...I think it's an uphill battle we'll all be fighting forever!
Posted by: Lisa | September 13, 2007 at 10:31 AM
I KNOW! My girls only say ask nice after they've asked rudely and I've said, "Can you ask that again in a polite voice, please?" JUST ASK NICE THE FIRST TIME ^&@(%&(@^%!!!!
We almost moved to London once and I was sooo excited. I told Husband I was going to have kids while we were there so that they would have accents and call me "Mummy" ;-)
Posted by: girlymama | September 13, 2007 at 10:33 AM
My favorite is when one sibling has to apologize to the other. "Sorry" is always said with such love and sincerity, it really touches the heart. NOT!
Posted by: New Diva on the Blog | September 13, 2007 at 12:05 PM
i love, love, love your blog - found it today and agree with your thoughts and comments, completely!
Posted by: sheila | September 13, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Good afternoon. Thanks for dropping by The Lowest Rated Blog. I like the "look and feel" of your blog. Keep it up. Have a fine evening.
cfs
Posted by: The Lowest Rated Blog | September 13, 2007 at 03:14 PM
I had to walk away and dry my eyes for moment after the drive-thru comment. TOO FUNNY! Princess MiMi was nothing but polite at my house today. "May I please have a drink of milk Miss ChiChi?" All we can hope for is that our children have better manners at school and friend's houses than they do at home. Maybe they just save all their evilness for us moms at home. "Thank YOU very much", I say in a very sarcastic voice to them.
Posted by: Lady by the Creek | September 13, 2007 at 04:00 PM
The "mom look" still works in this house.....even my husband crumbles. We have to use what we got!
Thanks for stopping by to visit my blog and I am so happy to have found yours...I'll be back!
Posted by: Jen | September 13, 2007 at 04:01 PM
My 10-year-old now tries to give my 6-year-old "the look." She has as much success as I do ... But maybe my Boy and one of your girls can go out sometime. They sound like they're made for each other! And that drive-thru joke? Hysterical!
Posted by: madmad | September 13, 2007 at 06:26 PM
When I give my son the glare, he makes a sad face and tells me I'm bad and he's going to take all my super hero toys. Hello, he's already taken all my super hero toys.
Posted by: Daddy Forever | September 13, 2007 at 11:48 PM
I used to give 'the look' to my daughter in church - when she came with her step-sister one Sunday, they kept looking back at me and snickering - they were both laughing at and ignoring the look - now her daughter does the same - paybacks are a b.... love your blog
Posted by: Pat | September 17, 2007 at 09:05 PM