Manners

Olivia is learning all about manners at school, you will hear her say "Avery, that is not good manners" or "Avery, use your manners" or a harsh snap "Avery, manners". I actually don't mind that she is Lil Miss Manners, or the Manners Police, I am a big proponent of manners and I have a high bar for where I would like my children to fall on the manners scale. So today when the I picked up the latest edition of Parents magazine I was thrilled to find a list of the: 

"25 Manners Every Kid Needs By Age 9"

1) When asking for something, say "Please" (Making progress in this space)
2) When receiving something, say "Thank You" (Progress...both girls are great at this one)
3) Do you interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency.  They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking. (Long way to go....)
4) If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation (Feels like it will never happen)
5) When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first.  It can save you from many hours of grief later.(Rarely happens...really need to work on this one)
6) The world is not interested in what you dislike.  Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults. (This one drives me bonkers, all I hear is "I don't like...blah"
7) Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, its to compliment them, which is always welcome. (So far, no big issues here)
8) When people ask you how you are, tell them, and then ask them how they are. (Olivia isn't sure what to say when people ask her)
9) When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.(When we prompt them, they say "Thank You Ins-La"
10) Knock on closed doors , and wait to see if there's a response before you enter (When this happens, all will be right with the world)
11) When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling. (I hope we are years away from their first phone calls)
12) Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive.  In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank you note can have a powerful effect. (We are working on this one, this practice was a very loudly spoken rule in my house growing up and it will be passed down to my darlings as well)
13) Never use foul language in front of adults.  Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.(Thankfully we haven't faced this one yet, Olivia corrects us when we use the word "Stupid"
14) Don't call people mean names (Olivia calls people "Dirty Fish"...does that count?)
15) Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak and ganging up on someone else is cruel. (Hasn't happened yet, but I know it will happen and we will squash that as soon as it starts)
16) Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested.  The performers and presenters are doing their best.(We tried this one on Avery when Olivia was singing her heart out, but she was just too young to get it, we'll keep working on it)
17) If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse Me" (We are hoping this one comes with age)
18) Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and don't pick your nose in public (They are both pretty good about this one)
19) As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else. (For the love of God, they can't open a door yet, we'll wait until closer to age 9 to worry about this one)
20) If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help.  If they say "yes", do so-you may learn something new. (I am pretty sure no one really wants the girls help just yet, I don't even like their help when I am sorting my socks)
21) When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.  (HA, will this ever happen?)
22) When someone helps you, say "thank you" That person will likely want to help you again.  This is especially true with teachers! (Olivia is ahead of the game on this one...Avery is on her way)
23) Use eating utensils properly.  If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do. (God Bless America...we now use a spoon for yogurt...the world can now start spinning again)
24) Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary. (We outlaw napkins in our house, because the girls are obsessed with them and would go through 432 at each meal)
25) Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed (Working on this one....when we master it, maybe we will be cleaning up less spilled milk)