How French Kids Talk To Adults

My children can benefit from a lesson or two in manners from our neighbors' kids.  While I think Peanut and Rocky are pas mal (not bad), a solid B, our upstairs neighbors' and downstairs neighbors' children are on the honor roll.

Upstairs lives three beautiful French girls around the ages of 9, 11, and 13 years.  Their parents had a small holiday party for all the neighbors a week ago and they were the servers.  They enjoyed walking around with trays of hors d'oeuvres and asking guests if they wanted something to drink.  I talked to their mom, Sophie, about it and she says they like to help.  While Sophie was finishing up the salads, they waited in the kitchen (without mom needing to ask) so they could carry the bowls out to the buffet table.

At this same party, we met the neighbors who live under us who have an 8 year old boy and 4 year old girl.  After an awkward 15 minutes, Peanut and their son became instant friends over a mutual love of Pokemon and their daughter and Rocky, both with strong personalities, bonded over mutual admiration of each other's party dresses.  These two French siblings were very comfortable talking to adults.  The 8 year old boy made eye contact and greeted me and so did his sister.  When I asked for his name and how old he was (in French, by the way), he politely answered in a complete sentence and didn't automatically run off after answering.  Our interaction was short, but made a big impression on me.

I'm not sure if my parents actually taught me how to interact with adults or my dad just put the fear of God into me with a sideways glance, but I knew how to respectfully answer adults when spoken to.  Seeing our neighbors' children reminded me that I need to set the manners bar higher for Peanut and Rocky.