February 03, 2011

"You BETTER say........"

What do you MAKE your kids say?

Of course, we say please and thank you, yes sir, no mam, and all those goodies.  But what about making them say things that should come from their own feelings?

Do you make them say "I love you" to each other?  Or at least back when one person says it? 

If we do, are we teaching them to say things they don't mean?  If we don't, are we letting them get by with anti-social behaviors and hurting the feelings of others? 

I mean, I know they do love each other, but do we make them say it to spare the other one's feelings?  I am confused. 

Hearing my own words, "LUKE!  Tell your sister you love her, too." sounded really absurd.  You can't make someone tell another person they love them.  But she was so wounded by his lack of affection.  What to do?

Do you make your kids say "I'm sorry" when they don't mean it?  I do, but should I?  Really? 

It's not just as simple as a mumbled apology from my three year old.  That kid is NOT saying anything he doesn't want to.  It turns into a full out battle over something that may have been minor. 

Just thinking......what do you make your kids say?

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