Manners, or Lack Thereof

I’m not sure what the deal is, but my youngest granddaughter sometimes refuses to say hello or goodbye to people, even to those of whom she is very fond. When I dropped of some clean dishtowels at the church this morning, she had a big smile for Mr. Dick and Ms. Christy, but would not talk. When we left, she would not say goodbye and totally ignored their words of farewell. I think it a control issue (it runs in the family). On the way to the car, I explained to her that it is bad manners to ignore people when they talk to you. Her explanation, “I don’t have manners, Grandma.” You got that right! I think I’ll change my strategy and not make a big deal out of it. Sigh. I feel so inadequate when it comes to disciplining my grandchildren. I had to yell at my grandson this morning to get him to get ready for school. I think he enjoyed staying home for the last two days and wanted to try for another day. Now I have a knot in my stomach because he was crying after I yelled at him. Sigh, again.

I do have to keep the toddler away from other kids today because she still had fever last night. She has tonsillitis and is now on antibiotics, again. I am very frustrated with the gym. I had to cancel my appointment with my trainer on Monday and this morning because of my fever infested household. I didn’t let them know 24 hours in advance so they charged me anyway! Yes, it’s in the long contract someplace but I have no control over fevers and when they decide to show up. So I am so finished with the trainer thing. I have my last pre-paid session on Monday and they will not get another penny out of me after that. I don’t want to even go on Monday but I’ll not cut off my nose to spite my face. I have already decided that I will not do squats and crunches but will insist that I be shown how to use the equipment correctly, which is why I signed up with a trainer to begin with. Sigh, one more time. Okay, I feel better now that I have vented a little.