Ishi is presently in the process of learning. She does what we do. She repeats what she hears. That is why we try to behave the best that we could. I believe in “to teach one is to show one“. We are actually teaching them if we project a positive attitude. Even on a simple conversation. A polite conversation.
I grew up with po and opo (Tagalog common expressions of respect for one’s elders) words around me. And I still use them whenever I speak to elders. It’s not that I’m reminding them of their age, but it’s just a way respecting them.
Both my girls are primarily taught of English words at home so they could communicate with my husband and in laws but I don’t forget to introduce Tagalog words which I think is essential for them to know especially that we are now in the Philippines. Like po and opo. Whenever they call me Mama, I often response by answering “po” to them.
Since there are no words like these in English, we just stress the words “please”, “excuse” and “thank you” whenever needed. I’m proud to say that Ishi is slowly picking up. She would sometimes say “sus” (that’s her baby talk of excuse) when she needs to pass through.
I know it’s too early for her to understand these things. The earlier, the better, don’t you think so?
Thanks for this post – teaching by example or by “showing” as you put it is really the best way to do things… I learned a lot more by what my parents *did* than by what they told me, so it looks like you are definitely on the right track here. Does it seem to be working pretty well for you?
Yes, we definitely teach best by example. If we want our kids to grow up to be polite and respectful of others, we should show them how it’s done.