I know I don't deserve your advice since I have been such a lame blog buddy but I need some experienced opinions.
Now that my kids are getting older they are spending more and more time going to their friends houses ALONE! I can't really tag along on the playdates anymore without looking like a total moron. I have always been very strict with my kids when it comes to manners but wonder if it has gone in one ear and out the other like it seems is the fate of so many other lessons. I always ask how they behaved and if they used their manners and I have never heard anything bad but I know I wouldn't tell another parent their kids is a rude brat!
So anyway here's my question:
What do you do to ensure your kids are on their best behaviour when they're away from you?
How do you give your child the tools to be the good influence in a situation rather than being easily swayed?
I'm excited to hear all your wisdom...if anyone's out there...hello...anyone....hellooo
Life with five kids and getting ready for three more! Triplet girls will make 8!!
10 comments:
Jennifer,
I wish I knew exactly what to say, but alas I don't. I have the same fears when my girls go off to friends houses. I just hope that the other parents aren't being nice, and are being honest. Also, I figure they won't get invited back if they are being rude over there. As for not being a follower...I'm at a loss.
Hi there! Don't feel bad..I've been a bad bloggy buddy too!!!!
Anywho...my three oldest children are 12, 11, & 8. My two older kids go to their friends house alot after church on Sundays. We're good friends w/ the parents so we know they'll say something if our kids don't act right. But, before they go, we always remind them to be respectful, and that's all we need to say. Plus, I always ask my friends how they were and I've yet to hear anything negative. For the most part, I think kids are more behaved at other peoples houses too!
good questions... I think we do the best we can but the rest will come with time and hopefully if I kids do slip up (forgetting a thank you or a more) the other parent is hands on enough to guide the situation. Great questions... I can't wait to read everyones thoughts.
I think all you can do is just talk, talk, talk...talk about different scenarios, and remind them before they go. And don't be afraid to call the parents and ask them how the kids are!
Kids are almost always better for other people. I wouldn't worry. Do the best you can with expecting manners at home, modeling them, and giving them a quick reminder before they go off to someone's house and they'll do fine. I always get the "she was sooo good and polite" and I'm like "my daughter?". ;)
Hey jen!
Don't worry about getting around to blogs. I haven't been too good about it either. We just do what we can, right?
As for the kids, I usually base it on how my kids act when they are somewhere with me. My kids are all usually really good out and all i ever hear are compliments. (at home, it's another story. LOL) But, I just assume that my kids are behaving while out...
I am the mother of seven children. I think we should just say, "No, we left the other 5 at home."
this is easy for me - I do not allow my children over at other's homes without me or my husband - ever!
Maybe - and that is a big maybe someday - but not yet!
Just ask! the kids..this is going to become more of an issue as your kids get older. But when other kids come to our house, I don't expect them to "be on their best behavior." I'm sure people don't expect your kids do this all the time.
Also, if you have a good relationship with the other parents, this can be an open dialog. Manners are important, but what's in the heart matters more!
If your children are expected every day to use their please, thank you's, yes mam's and no sir's, then have no fear, they will continue to do so even out of your presence.
Practice makes perfect, and as parents we see our children at some of their worst times. However the glory in all of it is that they actually do retain what we teach them!
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