DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I have been watching my triplet grandchildren two days a week ever since my daughter returned to work from maternity leave. They are 16 months old and two of them have started biting, which none of my kids ever did. Mostly they bite each other, but one will occasionally bite our dog, who thank God, is a sport about it and just gets up and walks away. Still, it worries me. I have spoken to my daughter and my son-in-law, and they say they have seen it happen only one or two times. I don’t doubt them, but it does not help to think I am doing something wrong. Am I? --- CHOMPERS’ GRANDMA

DEAR CHOMPERS’ GRANDMA: I discussed this issue with an experienced early childhood professional I know, and she assured me that this is something she’s encountered from time to time through the years, and that it’s a normal developmental stage for some young children before they develop spoken language skills. They want to be understood, but don’t know how to get their needs or emotions across. She acknowledged this can be a frustrating situation, both for the parents of the biter and those being bit.

Her advice is to immediately, consistently, and firmly say, “No biting,” when you catch the offending toddler in the act. It won’t work overnight, but it usually does the trick.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: When I was a kid in the 60s, I remember my mother drilled into us that no gift should go unacknowledged, even if it meant calling Great-aunt Carol, who was blind and nearly totally deaf!

I can’t tell you the last time any of my grown nieces and nephews or any of their kids did more than confirm they received a gift I sent them. I usually send checks, so I know when they get cashed, but I have yet to get even a thank you email or text, much less a thank you note in the mail.

I know this holiday season will be no different, and I know I can’t say anything to my nieces and nephews, nor would I, but could you please remind your readers how much such a little thing as a thank you note can mean? --- WHAT HAPPENED TO MANNERS?

DEAR WHAT HAPPENED TO MANNERS?: I think many people feel as you do, especially since in the age of constant, immediate communication it doesn’t take much time or effort to officially register appreciation for a gift. Neglecting to do so gives the appearance that the recipient believed they deserved what you sent them.

So, I join with you in hoping people of all ages will take the time to send their thanks for gifts received, not only just during the holidays, but all the syear through.

DEAR READERS AND LETTER WRITERS: This holiday season has been unlike any most of us have ever known. Traditions have had to be abandoned or creatively revised. Much-anticipated visits have been cancelled or put on indefinite hold. Grandparents will be missing first Christmases with new grandbabies. What may be last Christmases will be observed in solitude. None of this is easy, but hopefully, things will get back to a more normal state in 2021; and as generally happens, in a few years’ time, much of what has been endured will become stories to share with those too young to remember or yet to be born.

To all my readers (even the grouches!), letter writers, and their loved ones, I send best wishes for a Merry Christmas, and prayers for a brighter New Year.