As a mother, we learn a lot from our kids. We try to teach them to be polite, use manners, say only kind words, etc. However, at some point or another, probably more than once, they WILL embarrass us. It has happened to me several times. My husband, the touchy feel-y guy he is, managed to teach our daughter something somewhat unintentionally. He did it to make her laugh but of course, she had to try it. At the time, she was 2. She's now 4 and still does it on occasion, even though I correct her every time. Here's what she learned from my husband. Warning: it's slightly inappropriate. :) He grabbed my breast and said 'honk honk'. Of course, she thought that was funny so she decided she would do it....in the library as I was standing at the counter holding her. I was very embarrassed though the 'clerk' thought it was funny. The next time was at Bible study. I really don't know if anyone noticed but I was still embarrassed. This was a small group and we were all in a circle. I'm guessing SOMEONE saw. Looking back now, it's funny but I was shocked at the time.
Children will also embarrass you by stating the obvious, whether that be pointing out how someone looks, or by very loudly saying things like 'I pooted'. We were in Wal-Mart one day and little miss Kiya (being 2 yrs old I think), blurted out "Mommy, Look!! That lady has a big butt!" It's really hard not to laugh when they say things like that because it's so unexpected. I just always hope that the person doesn't hear her. As much as we try to teach our children that it's not nice to say things about people, they just say what they see and think.
More recently, she said something to my father-in-law that was embarrassing but FUNNY!! If you know him, he doesn't get out much or up much out of his chair. He has really bad knees and can't walk far. His wife waits on him hand and foot but she pretty much has to, to an extent. So, we were all at their house for Christmas and my mother in law was bringing him his food. He then asked for something to drink and Kiya, as serious as she could be, said...."Pop, why can't you get up and get your own stuff?" We all about died laughing. Oh what comes from the mouths of babes. They just say what they think.
Our children may embarrass us but they also make us proud. Just when you think you are failing at teaching them manners, they hold a door open for a stranger, say yes ma'am and yes sir, and say thanks!
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
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