DEAR ABBY: My 4-year-old son, "Blaine," is well-mannered. He knows to take his hat off indoors, and opens doors for people (when they are not too heavy for him). However, Blaine sometimes forgets to say "please" and "thank you."
When my son and I are out and someone gives him something -- like a cookie at the bakery -- if Blaine forgets and I prompt him, the person sometimes will say, "Oh, it's OK. He doesn't have to say thank you." It's very important to me that my son have good manners and always use those words. How should I respond to those who insist that it's not a big deal for children not to use their manners? -- STRICT MOTHER IN DEERFIELD, MASS.
DEAR MOTHER: I applaud you for teaching your son basic good manners, a lesson that will serve him well throughout his lifetime.
When someone tells you Blaine doesn't "have to" say please or thank you, speak up and correct the person by saying: "Oh, yes he does. 'Please' and 'thank you' are magic words in our family, and it's important that my son always remember to say them." Do this not for the adult's benefit, but in order to reinforce the lesson to Blaine.