A Lesson in Manners, from Morgan

We've been working on good citizenship and good manners with Morgan from the very beginning of her life. I would say, overall, she has very good manners. Sometimes, though, I wonder if things I say to her are really sinking in.

Last night I learned that in fact, they are. I had raised my voice to the dog because she was getting on my nerves, wanting to be on my lap and barking like a crazy thing. Morgan heard this exchange and came from her room and told me "Mama, that was not nice. You tell Bay you are sorry!". She stood there looking at me, waiting for me to respond. What could I do? She was right...I hadn't been nice to the dog. I said "I am sorry Bay" and Morgan then instructed "Now give Bailey a hug" and would not leave until I did so!

While I was originally slightly annoyed at being told to apologize to the dog, I remembered that this should be a teaching moment and that Morgan had correctly identified a moment when something was not done nicely and it needed to be rectified. It's embarassing to be called on the carpet by your 2 year old, but it was a two-fold lesson for me. First, she is hearing what I am saying, and second, we all need to be cognizant of our tones with others.

I am glad she was able to remind me of that.