Friday, May 4, 2012

Mind your Manners

Teacher Faith, Alyssa's teacher in baby ballet class always has a treat for the kids after every class. It may be lollipops or chocolates or wiggles (chocolate covered mallows) or stickers or popcorn. And every time she gets a treat I always ask Alyssa if she said "Thank You!" after she receives it. She would grin sheepishly and say, "I forgot!" I would gently reprimand her and ask her to go back to the teacher and show her appreciation.

 Alyssa with Teacher Faith

The other day, when we got to the car, I asked her again if she said "Thank You!" and once again she said that she forgot. So I blew it and started to raise my voice and get angry at her. I told her that I was so tired of reminding her time and again to show gratitude to everyone. Why doesn't she remember? What should I do to make her remember? I told her I love her but I am not happy with such behavior. If I need to be angry so she will learn so be it. Her daddy and I never failed to show appreciation to people who deserve it ---- janitors, guards, helpers, etc. Can she not learn by example? I want her to grow up as a well mannered person, appreciating even the little things in life and not expecting that the world owes them. I was so angry and she was quietly crying in her car seat knowing that she disappointed me once again. I hugged her when we got home and told her that I hope she remembers it from this day on.

Two days later, I was busy chatting on the phone while she was at baby ballet class. I didn't even know that the class had ended. She came up to me with a big smile on her face, showed me her treat and hugged me saying "I didn't forget, Mommy! I said Thank You!" I hugged her tightly and told her that I loved her very much and that I was so proud of her. She wouldn't let go of my hug. When she pulled away, I saw tears in her eyes. "Why are you crying?" I asked. Her reply was classic: "Because I am soooo happy!!!" Sigh, such a darling!!

Alyssa getting her class card from Teacher Faith with a curtsy

My little darling Alyssa

2 comments:

  1. Ang cute nya! Sobra. Nakakatuwa.

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  2. Hay! Natatawa pa rin ako when I remember her face when she told me that she was sooo happy. Hahaha!

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