r-e-s-p-e-c-t.

i'm pretty sure i read marcus his first book when he was less than 20 hours old.
i also remember him painting his first canvas [non-toxic and washable obv] before he was 6 months old. like, he learned to sit sturdy and i plopped him on a canvas and told him to go to town:

marcus james : 2010

i also rarely if ever spoke to him like a baby. [to each their own and to be fair i am holding onto a handful of embarassing nicknames at least until he turns 13. i mean 3].

i've always been a huge believer in giving my son a ton of credit, encouragement and trust. sometimes it comes back and jackie chan's me in the lip, and most times, the kid blows my mind.
so it shouldn't surprise you that i started trying to teach him the meaning of the word 'respect' before he was 2 1/2 years old.

and not in a spelling-bee kind of way. in a leading by example and giving him clear recognition when he treats others/himself with respect, and also reminding him politely when his actions may not be 'respectful' [aka the time on christmas eve at jc's birthday party when he ran laps of the altar.]

i.e.: "marcus. i just want to tell you how happy it makes me that you waited and listened while i was speaking. that was so respectful and awesome!"

i.e.:"marcus. when you kick me in the neck while i try to gently and lovingly brush your sweet little teeth, it isn't very respectful. it would be respectful if you would kindly help me by opening your sweet little tooth filled smile instead."

i.e.:"hey tinse. [yes i call him tinse.] thank you so much for hanging up your own jacket/shoving your tiny toque into the sleeve neatly/throwing out your own garbage. it shows that you really respect yourself and your space and i appreciate that. it makes me so happy!"

and [knock on wood] ... you know something? i feel like his behaviour is really reflecting my efforts. and each time he blows my mind with great listening, kind gestures, or acts with appreciation and common courtesy that would blow a lot of 30 year old men out of the water, i am totally reminded that he is quickly becoming a respectful young man.

and. maybe more importantly. that i have a whole lot of respect for that tiny young man. and i will keep on telling him that everyday along with every reason why ;)

-kare