So, the other night I was lecturing talking to Matthew about cutting his meat into bite-sized pieces. He has a habit of stabbing his entire piece of meat with his fork and bringing the whole thing to his mouth. It drives me nuts.
I told him he needed to cut the meat into smaller pieces, and when he asked why, I informed him eating it 'his way' was rude.
He asked why, again.
And I was stumped.
Because I said so?
Because my mom said so?
Because Miss Manners said so?
I finally landed on, "Because...Well...Just because!"
What would you have said???
P.S. Thanks so much for your prayers and encouraging words regarding my special weekend with Elizabeth. We had a delightful time!
And, would you believe - we finished it off by going to the pet store so she could get a new rat???
Because...well...just because. (Or maybe because I'm a softy. *wink*)
14 comments:
Hmmm, because it makes him look like a Neanderthal???? Kinda like drinking milk straight out of the jug.
It is all about social graces. I have an acquaintence whose job is to teach social manners to executives, those traveling to other counties and just regular folks like us. I'm hoping to figure out a way to hook up with her for a ministry event. I think it would be very cool.
Leah - I get what you're saying. But how do you explain that to a 10-year-old boy???
I'm sure he would think it's wonderful to look like a Neanderthal. *sigh*
I used to really dislike it when my Mom would tell me: "Because I Said So". I would get SO aggravated!! But of course, when I became a Mom... I found myself saying the same thing!! :o)
So glad Elizabeth's special weekend went great! :o)
LOL...just last evening Kristy joined us for dinner. Aaron was "eating out loud" smacking his lips...well... you get the picture. Time after time Chris and I have tried to teach him better table manners ending with "just because"...well...Kristy answered him by saying "Because it is "sick"!!" He actually toned it down, go figure!!
Glad to hear your weekend went well... Blessings my friend, Debby Ann
Early on in the parenting journey I made a 'pact' to answer all questions...its truly exhausting and sometimes way overrated...and many times I have failed miserably...but I know I ask God why many times...and sometimes evey think I have heard a 'just because' :) You are a teriffic mom!
How 'bout, "Because if you don't stop that, I'm going to come flying across the table faster than you can blink! Love you, honey!" :)
OK, just kidding! Yeah... the "why" questions drive me crazy too! Hard to say what would motivate a 10-year-old boy to have good manners... other than, possibly, positive peer pressure... that is, him thinking of how others might view his manners? (I agree with Leah: because he'd look Neanderthal—that cracked me up!)
Jodi - Yeah. My LEAST favorite thing to come out of my mom's mouth was, "Because I'm the Mom. That's why." (That statement ranked right up there with 'This is NOT a gymnasium!' She never appreciated our rough-housing. *sheepish grin*)
But, honestly, I couldn't think of a better answer for Matthew! *wink*
Debby Ann - See, I think "sick" would totally motivate my guys to keep it going. ;o)
Nichole - But what IS the answer to that question? How do you get a 10-year-old boy to care about manners?
Yeah, God can pull that answer!
Sara - I bet he'd love to see that! LOL
OK, I thought of another tactic. What if you turned the "why" question around on him? Like when you said, "Your way of eating meat is rude" and he says, "Why?" maybe ask him, "Why do *you* think it might be rude?" (not in a snarky way). We try that with our oldest son, just to make him think a little... use that ability to reason! :)
Sara - You're brilliant!
Chicken breasts on the menu for Saturday. Maybe I'll have the opportunity to give that a try. We'll see if he cuts, or stabs. ;O)
Telll him that he may eat with the King and Queen of England one day...that is what my dad always told me....
I think "Just because!" works just fine! No further explanation is needed.
Ginny - LOL! Did it work for you? *wink*
Sandra - Thanks. I'm just not sure Matthew will agree. ;o)
Because table manners are like traffic laws or playground rules. They promote order & really are there not to restrict you, but to help you and the other people you are around interact more peaceably with each other. If you are following the "rules" of whatever you are doing everyone involved can be calm and comfortable.
Jen - Wow. That's good!
I wish I could think that fast on my feet. *wink*
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