We gave this kid a great day out and he never said thanks

[SandraM]

STOP PRESS!!!!

The mother has sent in her thanks via my DS. We are picking ourselves up off the floor as I type here!

(Still no sign of the BBQ money though!)

BTW, this kid and the words "quiet" and "shy" are opposites.
Besides, I've known him since he was 2 days old, it's not like he doesn't know me!

 

[Cinders]

That's one of the things I love best about older DS' best friend. This kid always thanks me for letting him stay here, for letting my DS stay at his house (he has no kids living close to him to play with), and for letting DS go with them places so he has someone to hang out with. Although younger DS thanks this kid because then he gets to be an "only" child for a few days.

 

[JESW]

11 is old enough to know better. I would have called him on it and said something like - "In our family it is common courtesy to say thank you".

Glad to hear his mother thanked you!

Jill

 

[SRUAlmn]

I had a similar experience on Friday. We took some camp kids to tour our local minor league baseball stadium for a field trip. My boyfriend covers this team for the local paper, so he had some connections and I mentioned that it would be cool for the kids to get souveniers. Well, the GM got together free logo baseballs for all 114 kids!!! I thought that was amazingly nice, I mean, we're talking over $500 of merchandise! Well, unfortunately, they had the kids come in the gift shop to get the free ball and I heard about 90% of the kids complaining that they couldn't have some of the other stuff in the gift shop for free, or asking why they couldn't have more than one ball (I must mention that a few were very grateful.) I was so angry. This camp is part of an athletic club and most of the families are fairly wealthy so it's not like these kids were 'in need.' It's just like nothing is ever enough. I was actually in tears because I was so disappointed & embarrassed.


Edited to add that disrespect really 'sends' me too. I am not the camp director, I just go to help out on field trips as a fellow manager, so many of the kids don't know me, but most do. While we were waiting for the kids to go in and get their free gift one of the Counselors In Training (Junior Counselors) said to another one. 'This is so freaking lame- we wasted our whole day here when we could have been in the computer lab and now all we get is a stupid ball.' So I looked her right in the face and said 'Well, then I think you can just come over here with me and not get one then.' She smart mouthed back to me and said 'You don't even know me and you're not in charge of me.' I could not believe it. This girl was 12!!!!

 

[snoopy]

Originally posted by zagafi
ARGH. Lack of manners is one thing that just *sends* me. That is one of my parenting "non-negotiables" and I just do not understand why manners and courtesy have become optional. UGH!

Well said.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

I wouldn't blame the parents. Kids are kids. I always make my kids say please and thank you but they don't usually do it on there own I have to keep telling them to go back and say thank you or what ever. I guess its just the age but I as a parent always make them use there manners even with me.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I've been known to make a joke out of that sort of thing. If a child "forgets" to thank me for an outing (or what not),

I'll say, "Wait a minute. You forgot something."

Then he or she will say, "I did?"

And I'll say, "Yep. you did." Did you have a good time?""

And he or she will look at me puzzled and say, "Yes."

Then I'll smile and say in a silly voice, "I had a good time, Ms. XYZ." More smiles. "Thank you, Ms. XYZ."

And they'll say they had a good time and thanks.

Depending on the age I'll get some giggles and/or even a hug.