Why Didn't I Think of that...

Life has been keeping me away from one of my true joys... stalking! Blog stalking! So today naptime was spent with my feet up, catching up, & it feels great!! It's fun catching up on everyone, seeing cute pics of kids, getting in some good laughs, etc.

There was one post that topped them all, of the 50+ I've read (okay, you caught me, perhaps I did a little more skimming & scanning & not as much reading)my friend,Tib topped the charts. It was herbrainwashing post. You really must read it!

I too want to teach my kids manners, & about a year ago Hannah would respond to a yes or no question with a sound similar to a grunt. In an effort to change this we started pushing her to say "Please" & "Thank You", so when asked if she wanted something & she replied with one of her grunts we would ask "Yes Please, or No Thank You?" This helped & we also pushed good manners by saying it first at the appropriate time in a way that encouraged her to repeat it. I still encourage & reming her by saying:
"Ask nicely"
"How do we ask?"
"What do you say?"

Now I am wondering why I stopped there, & why I didn't think to push it farther!?! Tib had it right by going the extra step. Do you think it's too late! I just worry that Hannah will remember that I taught her to say it (taught, force, whatever) because her memory is so much better at 3.

Is it really brainwashing? It seems more like an affirmation, positive thinking. They'll most likely come to the conclusion that you're the best mom ever at some point in their lives... sadly they'll most likely be married with kids by then. Smart thinking Tib!