Ace's up

As parents we try to instill good behavior, manners and general kindness into our kids so they can interact with the world. We nag, cajole, and remind them of these social niceties on a daily basis. This is so that when they go forth into the populace, others do not clue into the fact we are raising uncivilized heathens.

Given that your average pre-adolescent male resembles a Neanderthal on any given day, if he manages to wipe his fingers with a napkin instead of using his clothes, I feel we’ve hit a developmental milestone. Amidst the comforting bosom of family and friends, phrases such as please, thank you and excuse me, take a back seat to familial contempt. Let’s be honest here, shoving his sweaty stinky armpit into his sister’s face is a common occurrence in our house.

It’s always a gratifying parental moment to observe my kids exhibiting manners of their own volition. On a recent trip in to see the last Subway Series game to be played at Shea Stadium, my young Met’s fan said, “Excuse me, Sir” to the LIRR station bodega operator when he made his purchase.
A short time later he offered his seat to the harried young mother with two small children on the train.

You’re a stand up Young Man, Ace.