DEAR ABBY: My daughter is 3. She has reached the point where she notices and comments upon others' appearance. Generally, her comments are of the "that lady has a big bottom!" variety, spoken loudly and within earshot. We are working on the concepts of manners and tact, in addition to learning that people come in all shapes, sizes, colors, etc.
In the meantime, however, have you any suggestions for how to address the subjects of her comments? I've offered some version of "I'm sorry, we're still working on our manners," but it seems to imply that I'm teaching her to make her hurtful comments in a quieter voice. -- EMBARRASSED IN KENTUCKY
DEAR EMBARRASSED: You are overthinking this. Children sometimes say the darndest things. The way you're handling it is just fine. I hardly think anyone will be wounded for life because of anything a 3-year-old utters. (Everything looks "big" to a kid that age.)