Well-Mannered Munchkins?

I saw this article on Yahoo, and took it as a direct parenting challenge.  As I sat pondering it, I realized that, obviously, the adult needs to know basics of etiquette before ever being able to teach their child, and how many adults do you know who are able to live by these rules all the time?  I think we all know several who we wish would read this list.  (You could forward it to them as a not-so-subtle hint!)  I'd like to think I do a fairly good job, but I'm sure there are those out there who think I could use a brush up on a few from time to time, too. 

And then there's my kids.  Ages 4, 2 and 2 months.  Yeah.  I guess we've got some work to do if they will be able to live up to most or all of these by age 9.  I'm already sick of hearing myself talk just to get them through the day-to-day without any serious bodily harm.  It's times like these that I pull up my boot straps, put in my earplugs, and get to the hard work of parenting.

So my questions to you fellow parents out there: How many of these manners are you teaching your child(ren)?  Which do you find the most difficult to instill in them?  Do you have any tips or techniques for the rest of us?  Do you even agree with all of these?  I, for one, do not agree with #6, but maybe that's just me...?

Read on, and post your opinions.  I'd love to hear them!

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9

Manner #1When asking for something, say "Please."
Manner #2
When receiving something, say "Thank you."
Manner #3
Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.
Manner #4
If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.
Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
Manner #6
The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.
Manner #7
Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
Manner #8
When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
Manner #9
When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
Manner #10
Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.
Manner #11
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
Manner #12
Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.
Manner #13
Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
Manner #14
Don't call people mean names.
Manner #15
Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
Manner #16
Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
Manner #17
If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."
Manner #18
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.
Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
Manner #20
If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.
Manner #21
When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.
Manner #22
When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
Manner #23
Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
Manner #24
Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
Manner #25
Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Bouncing Heaven

I took C to an indoor bounce house facility this morning to meet up with two of her (and my) friends for a little bouncing fun.  To be honest, what I love most about this place is that it is all enclosed, so I don't have to worry about her bolting; everything is padded, so I don't have to worry about her getting too hurt; and I get to sit on a bench and visit with my two mom friends while the kids bounce themselves silly.  I hope each time that C will bounce till she drops from shear exhaustion, and my afternoon can be spent in the peaceful silence that I only get to enjoy when my kids are asleep. 

This plan works out for the most part, except that C develops quite an appetite from all the jumping, and she gets extremely demanding and surly when she's hungry.  Let's be honest, I do the same thing.  I'm just able to get myself a snack, whereas she relies on me to be ever prepared to meet her immediate needs.  Thank goodness, I thought ahead and tossed a few treats into her lunchbox in case of such an emergency!  In addition to whole fruits, string cheese, and the like, some of my favorite on-the-go snacks are pouches of pureed fruit. 

What I like best about these treats is that they are healthy, not messy for little hands to eat by themselves, and fun.  Many flavors also have a great texture, and are not "baby foodish".  Although, I first discovered the wonders of these neat little packages when C was 8 months old while visiting friends in France, so it is perfectly acceptable snackfood for your baby, too! She and K continue to enjoy them here in the good 'ole US as an easy addition to their lunchboxes or for snacks on the run.  My favorite brands are Revolution Foods Organic Mashups Squeezable Fruit, which comes in a variety of unique flavors, and GoGo Squeez, the ones we discovered in France, which are really delicious and come in apple, apple cinnamon or apple/strawberry!

A New Favorite Baby Thing...

We've been asked by many of our soon-to-be parents friends and family members what tips, advice, and gear has worked best for us in raising our girls.  In this blog, we'll share with you some of our favorites for everyday use in the house, as well as our favorites for on the go. 

With the recent birth of S, we have had the opportunity to reevaluate some of our stuff that has seen a bit too much wear and tear from the first two girls, and get her some spanking new things.

Let's begin with our newest fave:  The Fisher Price Newborn Rock 'N Play Sleeper.  This little, portable sleeper has been a staple in our household and travels from the day S was born.  First, we were able to use it as a co-sleeper which fit nicely in the tight space between my side of the bed and the wall until we decided to transition S from our room to her own crib.  Second, we love that it is easy to pick up and move to whichever room we're in.  My absolute favorite use for it is in the kitchen while I'm cooking dinner or doing dishes.  She can see me, and I can still get stuff done.  Third, it collapses flat so that we can take it with us in the car when visiting the grandparents, etc.  It comes in a few attractive colors, but of course, ours is pink.  Big sisters K and C would not have it any other way.  I also love that K feels like she's contributing to caring for S when she has the rocker near her and can rock the baby herself.  Fantastic!

The Power of Pink

So, we've decided to start writing a blog to document the adventures and misadventures of life with our three little princesses.  We will call them K, C, and S.  K is about to turn 5.  C is 2 1/2, and S is a mere 10 weeks old.  In this blog, we'll attempt to share some of the most mundane and unbelievable details of life with these three little princesses.  Our little princesses.