Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Little Miss Manners

As the mother of four children, I am fairly certain that I have spent the bulk of my adult life teaching gratitude (please and thank you), forgiveness (I'm sorry) and respect (yes ma'am, no sir, etc). So you might imagine my pride when after Cate's swim class yesterday, her swim coach told me that Cate has very good manners. My head began growing on the spot. I mean Cate is not even three yet and I have apparently done so well with her training that she is just an overly amazing, charming child. All my work has not been wasted. I have arrived at parenting success. You get the picture....and then Coach J continued:

Coach J: "Yes, she has very good manners."

Me (as humbly as I can muster): "Well, thank you, she is a sweet girl."

Coach J: "Yes, during class, I would say, 'Cate, that was good but let's do it one more time!' to which Cate would look at me and reply, 'No, thank you.' "

Hmm. Perhaps, I have a little ways to go before they are ready to write parenting books about my techniques. Drats.

The Shrader kids using their very best manners while they volunteer at a March of Dimes event this weekend!

2 comments:

Mardi said...

haha!! too funny! hey, in this yes world, saying no is a feat! Good job Cate! ;)

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

LOL! She's just too cute and perhaps a tad precocious! Great story, babe, and I love this photo. You ARE a marvel!