Manners? Yes please.

Today feels like a blah kind of day.  Easton has successfully slept through the night two nights in a row in his crib.  We put him in there for the first time to sleep at night this weekend.  I find it strange that he was my bigger, stronger baby, but it has taken me nearly 6 months to be ok with moving him away from my close reach and into his room.  Kinnley, who was 6 weeks premature, was in her room right after she turned 4 months old.  I guess he is a mommy's boy....

On top of sleeping through the night in his own crib, he has finally put it all together that he can roll over and that can get him places.  He has been pulling his knees up under him for a while now, but last night he finally straightened both arms and pushed himself up.  So, it looks like it's just a matter of time before he puts the knees and arms together and then we are in trouble!

Kinnley, oh my dear sweet Kinnley girl, has an attitude bigger than she is lately.  (She better lose it now because if she keeps going like she is, she may not make it past the age of 4!)  She was told that she had to pick up all of her toys that were in the living room, put them up in her room, and then start picking up her bedroom.  I was sitting on the couch feeding Easton and Ben was sitting on the other side of the couch watching a basketball game when Kinnley came to the top of the stairs in the dining room and, in the most serious, angry voice with her arms crossed informed us 'Somebody better come help me clean my kitchen stuff up because I didn't make that mess, ____ did.' (I have chosen to omit the child's name for my own reason.)  The force behind her words was not only unexpected but rather uncharacteristic of my dear sweet innocent angel baby (well, that was the description I would use to describe her before the attitude took her over).  I was in shock and unable to speak, but her daddy found it rather funny and started laughing.  So, I decided since it was his friend's kids that further destroyed her room and his wife that told the kids it was time to go without any mention of helping to pick up (this is the second time this has happened, and after the first time, I told him never again, but he's nicer than I am), he could be the one to help her clean her kitchen stuff up.  

So, after remembering the first experience I had with this same situation a while back (her room stayed destroyed for a few weeks because every time I went in there it would just infuriate me that I was the one having to pick it up because people Ben invited over had allowed their kids to reak havic and then happily tell them to put their shoes on because it was time to leave and left, not picking up one single toy...yes I am still irritated about this, so what) I looked for an article that I had read in a Parents magazine about the 25 manners all children should know so that I could share it with all of you.

No, picking up toys after a playdate, before you leave didn't make it onto this list (although I firmly believe it should have), but there are a lot of other 'manners' that you might not even think about that all children should know.  For the record, here is my two cents...if you go to somebody's house and your children play with their toys, you should have your children help pick up before leaving.  If Kinnley gives me a hard time, I get in there to help, while she is being told if she doesn't help she's in so much trouble (yes I threaten spankings and she has pushed to that point before).  My child doesn't get to sit and watch guests at our house pick up her toys, she is told to help clean up with them, the same when we go to somebody else's house.  If we have ever been to your house and have left before helping to clean up, I am honestly, truthfully, so sorry.  I will understand if we are never invited over again.  If you have ever come to my house and left without your kids helping to pick up or even mentioning to them to go help pick up, don't be surprised if you're not invited again or if my husband invites you, don't expect me to be all cheery and excited to see you...sorry if that's a little to forward or harsh, but it's my house, get over it.  (I'll hop off of my soap box now.)

Now that I have had my little rant, here are the 25 Manners All Children Should Know, according to Parents.

1. When asking for something say 'Please'. 

2. When receiving something, say 'Thank you'.  

3. Do not 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.

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.

5. When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

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.

7. Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

8. When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

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.

10. Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

11. When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

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.

13. Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

14. Don't call people mean names.

15. Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

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.
17. If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

18. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

19. As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

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.

21. When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

22. When someone heps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

23. Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

24. Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

25. Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.


Want a quick and easy chocolate desert?  Here you go.

Pudding Pie
1 Box Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
2 1/2 Cups Milk
1 Prepared Graham Cracker Crust (You can make your own if you really want to)
Cool Whip (Or whipping cream & powder sugar if you want to make your own.  There is just something self gratifying after you make whipped cream from 'scratch'.  I did make some tonight and it was Yummy!)

Mix pudding mix and milk together with a whisk for about 2 minutes.  Pour mix into pie shell and top with whipped cream.  Put in the refrigerator for about an hour.  Enjoy!

It's easy, cheap, but oh so yummy.  My family loves it and it's my go to desert when I want something chocolatey, but don't want to bake anything.

Enjoy!