Monday, September 27, 2010

Some People's Kids

There's this kid that I know. (If you read me then it's not your kid. Seriously.) This kid is friends with my boys. They are often playing together out in the neighborhood. This is a perfectly nice child, not a bad kid, not a bad influence, from a perfectly nice family.

You're waiting for the "but," right? Here goes:

This child, while perfectly fine, is the densest, most aggravating child I know. The kid has no manners, yet isn't impolite. (I know, total opposites.) For instance, if said child is over, child will help him/herself to something to drink or eat without asking or saying thank you. While I don't mind when the kids grab a glass of water, could you at least say thank you? Especially when I'm standing right there? When hopping in the car to go to school this child stands in the middle of the street or walks out in front of my car, all the while staring at me with a totally blank look. Isn't it basic knowledge to stand on the curb to wait? The blank look reminds me of a dog who will sit when told but doesn't know why.

I don't get it, actually. I know the parents. I know that they insist on  'thank yous' at home. I know that there are brains in their genes. I'm just not so sure that this one got any of the 'common sense' gene.

I suppose that this child could be intimidated by me but I find that so weird. The kids have played together for years, migrating between houses, with all of the moms taking care of the kids equally. It takes a village, right? I'm not about to stop the free-range-ness of it all, not by a long stretch. I think it's great for the kids to be able to wander in and out of houses in the neighborhood and play outside safely, at any of the houses and in the street. I just wonder about this one particular kid.
 
Gah! I hate complaining about children, but this one takes the proverbial cake, without saying 'may I', 'please', or 'thank you,' I might add.

Headless Mom

6 comments:

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

Strange, to say the least.... That said, I don't suppose that mini-seizures could be an explanation-nah, just an off-the-wall-Monday morning thought.

Karen R said...

lol, I know exactly what you mean. We have a neighborhood kid that does the same.....opens the cupboard or fridge and takes what he wants. It is not that I mind, but he could ask. It does bother me when I think there are two Gatorades in the lunch drawer (especially reserved drawer in the fridge) only to find the next morning them gone.
However, after having two kids I am beginning to see how they learn differently. The eldest is a visual learner and learns by watching, social issues (and academic) come easily to him. The youngest is an oral learner and things that I think he should get he does not, unless he is verbally told. My oldest watches others and learns social conduct, my youngest does not "just get it", so we discuss everything.
This has made me more aware and even though I can't say that every social slip up is caused by this (some I believe is just parents who don't care) I now politely tell younger visitors that they can have whatever they want, but asking is polite.
Of course I haven't figured out how to deal with adults who have the same problem lol.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Yep, that would get to me for sure.
I think that maybe each time he does it I would say "Your Welcome" and maybe it will sink in!!

Rocks In The Wash said...

Maybe, perhaps, he's supposed to learn to say "please" and "thank you" at your house. I sort of enforce the "please" and "thank you's" at school and while at home with not only my kids but those that need the reminder.

Mommy, I'm Home said...

Have you considered that the child might fall on the autism spectrum? Seriously, my daughter remembers her manners if she's remind ahead of time, but other times because of her autism the kid can barely string a sentence together.

kyooty said...

I don't know when this started as a society really. I had a neighbour that thought she could just walk in my front door without knocking or letting me know that she was coming in?