Living in the US - Where we say TO MA TOE and you say TO MAH TOW

[alipiggie]

Wow we filled the thread guys. So as I was about to Say UR you've probably had squirrel if you've eaten Chinese . Think I've had most things. Just don't ask eat. Roasting hot here, very busy but having a blast. Enjoyed our new gym yesterday and picnic in the park tonight which was wonderful. Live music, handsome young men - need I say more.

I love that clip. BUT I haven't seen that episode yet so I NEED to know what is happening!

I need help:

I like manners. I expect people to say 'please' and 'thank you' including children. I do not respond to "I WANT WATER"

DS is usually quite polite and is often complimented on being gracious and considerate and saying please when he asks for something. If I ask if he'd like a drink, at worst he'd say, "Yes, I want water... ... please."

When I babysit other children, I expect the same of them. Perhaps not ALL the time, but if they want something, I expect a 'please' and when they get it, a 'thank you'

Am I being unreasonable? Or terribly British?

I know several children who just make demands and expect a response. Family I babysat for (with DS in tow) yesterday didn't once say their Ps & Qs without being reminded and I ended up feeling a bit pissed off that a 5 yr old and 3 yr old continually said, "SuperBunny, get me water/ I want bread/ give me some grapes..."

This, coupled with appalling behaviour yesterday (and being spat in the face by the 3 yr old ), is making me rather cross. I don't want to be an uptight old cow and they aren't my DC so I shouldn't care, but I feel like a skivvy when they speak to me like that.

Please be honest - AIBU? (I'd do a thread but am too lazy atm and think this may be a cultural issue)

I expect the same from my two. Demanding gets them nothing but a blank stare, or no reaction if I'm not looking at them. It seems they forget a lot, but pretty much come back with a please when they realize they did not phrase their demand in the form of a polite request.

I don't babysit much, but when I do, if I get a demand, I politely let them know that here, they have to use the words please and thank you.

The teacher at their school doesn't do the no response thing, but does tell them that they need to use their "magic words" (I don't like that phrase, but whatever) and tells them that she won't do, get whatever it is they want if it is said in a whiny voice, either. Even the first school we sent Colin to a few years ago that was way trailer-trash did the same thing.

The kids' Christmas presents are wrapped!!! Woo-hoo.

Oh good, am glad it isn't just me having too high expectations. I didn't thinks I was being unreasonable but I was beginning to doubt myself. I shall stick with my no please, no get rule.

Well done on present wrapping. I have not got DS anything so won't need to wrap anything.

I need coffe. Dinner woke up at midnight for water, got stroppy that I put it in a sippy cup rather than his 'baby cup' (a different kind of sippy cup) then, when I was nodding back off he started singing, "Shoo fly, don't bother me" and we both got the giggles and couldn't fall asleep.

thinks? think, obviously

Haven't been around Mumsnet in awhile. (Well, since we moved back to Pittsburgh, PA from London.) But, I popped by today and found this thread. My son still orders chips, fish fingers and lemonade. He also wears trousers and seems a bit disquieted when people discuss his pants.

Hello poetmum! Welcome.

Thanks Superbunny. I agree, children should be polite. And I can't believe people have gifts wrapped already. Oh dear, I'm terribly behind.

Tons of time, poet. Almost two weeks. Panic not!

Oo, Califrau, I know you like names so I thought I'd let you know, I met a Mr Ponce today. Pronounced Ponsay (a la Hyacinth Bucket)

Do you mind if I hijack this thread to ask for recommendations for a Christmas gift for a 30something American woman, SAHM to two school age girls?

Budget 40 - 50 dollars. I'll have to order off a US site for it to arrive in time.

Thanks Califrau, I've bought gifts for the rest of the family from Amazon.com

I usually buy her novels I have enjoyed during the year but last year there was no feedback (usually she tells me which ones she enjoyed too) so I would like to try to find a different idea if possible.

It's a bit cheeky asking here I know but I have put a bit of thought in and am beginning to panic.

I've ruled out:
luxury food (lot of intolerances)
clothes - her size fluctuates and she has a million scarves etc

Are there any well known 'pampering' sites?

You could look at:

Bed Bath and Beyond
Bath and Body Works
H20 (I think that's what they are called)
Macys

Will keep thinking. What are her hobbies?

Spafinder.com is a place that has gift certificates that can be used at a whole lot of spas nationwide. I think you can put in the zipcode and find out if there is one near her.

Sephora.com is makeup, skincare, fragrances, etc.

Bath and Body Works are like the Body Shop. I think they have some sort of spa line among their products.

Umm. . . that's all I can come up with off the top of my head, which is pathetic, because I'm a 30-something SAHM with 2 kids. I'm not big into stuff like that, though, but would love gourmet food or clothes, or kitchen equipment.

Yes, Sephora!

I like vouchers for my hairdressers too.

Yes, Macy's. (But then, I'm a bit biased, aren't I)

Macy's is my favorite store in the whole world, OTOSOTC, so I didn't put it, because I could get vouchers from there every Christmas and birthday and never get tired of it, so I might not be very objective in that regard.

OTOSOTC?

Does anyone have a recipe for Apple French Toast? The kind you bake? I had it a couple of weeks ago and want to make it for brunch next week but can't find a recipe anywhere.

Otherside - is your friend the sort who likes funky, eco-friendly, crafty things made by Stay At Home Moms?

If she is, I'll be able to get back with a website for you in a little bit.

POet, I like the sound of that!

Also, Etsy is fab for all sorts of lovely things. I have a bag made by an acquaintance The photos today are not the most inspiring but she has tons of others fabrics that she uses.

Ooohh. . . I forgot etsy.

No. I the closest I come is orange pecan.