Flattery

Lately, Mark and I have really been stressing good manners with the kids. It's important to us that our kids are respectful and polite to everyone, so I tend to make a very big deal with lots of positive reinforcement, when the kids use good manners. It must be working, for this was the conversation tonight at the supper table:

Matt: Mumma, may I PLEASE have something to drink? And you're sooo beautiful!

Jill, not to be outdone: Mumma, may I PLEASE have something to drink too, because you're so sweet?

Apparently they figured out, too, that flattery will get them everywhere. Everywhere.