Mom Pride

Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use. ~Emily Post

Boys, I applaud you. At the ages of two and three you have superior manners to most of my peers. Actually, you have superior manners to those of all ages. You hold a kindness making the world a much sweeter place. You give and not in order to receive. I am amazed that as toddlers you are both graceful and appreciative. This gives me “Mom Pride”.

Daddy and I strive to instill good manners to the both of you. Much like the mama’s and daddies of the south demanding children respectfully refer to elders with Mr. Mrs. or Miss we demand excellence in politesse. We have done so since your first words. I believe in the power of good manners.

Recently, I was given what I consider to be the highest of complements. The preschool teacher came looking for me. She wanted to give her recognition to Kaden’s manners. She shared that in 10 years of teaching she has never had a student (teaches 3-6 year olds) who is as polite and courteous. She shared he gives an automatic thank you for simple tasks to always remembering please when asking or making requests. She continued to tell me that he holds the door open and helps others in need. He is definitely the only child who uses the exchange of excuse me to pass through his classmates. He happily picks up after himself and offers praise to those who follow suit. In this moment I felt my heart grow.

Mom Pride.

Moms will boast with Mom Pride moments throughout their child’s life. I am fortunate to have a repetitive moment. I can honestly write: When we go out and about I will receive one (if not more) compliments on both of your good manners. I no longer have to remind either of you to ask with a please or be grateful with a thank you. Kaden, your toddler candor demands others remember their manners in your presence. You have no qualm asking a stranger to say please or question why they didn’t acknowledge your thanks with the proper “you are welcome’.

Ashton you and your 'peas' and 'ank ewe' melts my heart. Your 'peas' has you showing off all of your teeth as you exaggerate the word stretching your mouth out from side to side. Your thank you comes automatically. You say thank you for actions or giving’s that as your mother I don't expect thanks. I will put on your shoes. I will carry you over a puddle. I will cut up your hot dog. This is my duty and yet you give your thanks. You are learning excuse me and need much fine tuning on keeping hands to ourselves! However, at the age of two you are ever so polite.

It gives me great delight to know this behavior continues outside of my presence. Our goal of repetitive reminding and teachings has formed life habits. A habit I firmly believe will carry you far throughout your lives. I do not doubt that over time you will become lax. I promise to continue reminding you as it will serve as my own reminder to follow the golden rule. Be nice. Have grace and kindness. Be sensitive to others and keep an awareness.

Please be forewarned, as you grow you will learn more etiquette than young boys would choose. Remember, my responsibility isn’t to raise men, but gentlemen who are good to their fellow people and community treating women as they expect their Mom to be treated. I take my responsibility seriously. After all, I expect you both to pass down these life habits to future generations… Do your part to make the world a nice place.

So far. So good. Mom Pride.