The first eight weeks of school have been transformative for Mason ... and frustrating for Mommy and Daddy. It seems the manners we have instilled in him have been pulled out, wadded up and thrown to the side. In the blink of an eye, the 'pleases' and 'thank yous' have been replaced with 'uh-huhs' and 'gimmes'. I have always said that my kid may not grow up the smartest or the most athletic, but he WILL be well-mannered. It is maddening that a group of 6-year-old can undo 5+ years of training in what can be summed up in hours. AAARRRGGGGHHHH! Where did my son go? Who is responsible for replacing my eager-to-please, 'nice to meet you, sir', door-opening Mason with a me-first, gimme kindergartener.
It is especially hard on Noel, who takes so much pride and ownership in Mason's behavior. She does this because she raised him solo for a while I was deployed. I refuse to let go of the notion that my son should operate with a set of core manners that he should use day in and day out. I know it is easy for him to drop them when other kids don't use them and saying please and thank you doesn't get him 'cool points' with the older kids. But, I can't (and won't) let go of my original premise. He WILL display good manners.
Back to the drawing board ...
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2 comments:
Phase, phase, it's just a phase. Sara has started using a horrible tone that almost sounds possessed. WHERE did that come from? Who uses that kind of a tone in Pre-K? Ugh. My most favorite line of late, "I'm certain you didn't just use that tone with your Mother!"
My dad sent me an email. He said, "Parenting isn't always easy, but seldom dull."
Very true.
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