I can’t help but ponder on my 4 year old’s polite manners. I’d like to think he’s getting it from me, but sometimes I can’t help but think that some of these traits are hard-wired in them before they ever reach us. Not that we don’t play critical roles in developing and nurturing such gifts and qualities, but I just can’t make myself feel good about taking all the credit on this one. Especially knowing that I think he’s more polite and aware of giving thanks than I am! LOL

My little guy is one little love bug. At random he will just call your name if you’re in the room “Mom, Grandma, Grandpa, Dad, etc.” and when you respond he says, “I love you.” My 9 year old will throw this phrase out too, but unless it’s just before bed, it’s either a tactic to get something she’s hoping for like a few extra minutes to watch TV or a back up response if she recognizes that the tone of response isn’t conducive to asking for something. My 4 year old has no ulterior motive, he just throws it out there several times a day. It is a most endearing quality.

He’s also very big on saying Thank You - - for everything. Last night as we were driving home from soccer practice he saw some outdoor lights on home and asked if we could put some up at our house. I told him yes, maybe not tonight, but yes. In a most excited tone he exclaims “Oh, thank you mom!” Even when he’s trying me with his picky eating habits, he does it with polite manners. When I ask him to eat something that he’s either not in the mood for or not hungry he replies, “No thank you mom.” How can you respond negatively to that?

Man, I hope this continues throughout his life. I hope it never becomes “uncool” to be polite and loving for him. I hope he always says “please” and “thank you” as much as he does now. I hope he always responds with instant remorse and “I’m sorry” when he’s done wrong. And most of all, I hope I can become as good at it as he is now!

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