Teaching manners…
So we’ve been working on different manners with Elliott as she gets bigger and language is being developed faster and faster. The first success we had was with “please.” When she would ask us for something (usually “cheese,” “apple” or simply “more”), we’d ask her, “what do you say?” and she’d reply with “PEEEAASSE?” It isn’t perfect, but she’s getting better about it and she’ll now throw it in at the end of requests. For example, “Gabba Gabba! PEEEAASSE?” She’s started to get the idea, which is fun.
We’ve also been working on covering her mouth when she coughs or sneezes. This one is a little more difficult, but - after some reminding - usually covers the last few coughs/sneezes of each bout. The most satisfying is when she is just going about her day, playing and talking with herself and she’ll cover her mouth in the midst of all of it. Seeing her “get” something is extremely rewarding. And she’s stopping the spread of her adorable little baby germs!
The latest lesson in manners is “thank you.” Every time we hand her something, we ask her “what do you say? Thank you.” We do it for everything. We are also very conscious of thanking her when she bring us something. Every once in a while, she’ll get it, but our lessons are slightly missing the mark. Now, whenever she brings us something, as she is handing it to us she exclaims, “Tank Choo!” She understands that “thank you” is to be used when things are exchanged, but she’s not quite getting it. It is pretty darn cute to her her say it over and over.
We’re getting closer. Next on the list is “excuse me,” which is pretty useful for a fearless little kid who pretty much goes wherever she wants…