For some parents and grandparents, it's an automatic response. If a child answers "Yes," the quick response is "Yes, what?" The reply that is expected is "Yes, ma'am" or "Yes, sir." Some parents and grandparents feel that for a child to answer an adult any other way is impolite. Other parents and grandparents, however, feel that a simple "yes" or "no" in a respectful tone of voice is sufficient. Sometimes grandparents' expectations about their grandchildren's manners are quite different from the expectations of their parents, and that can cause conflict with adult children that requires good communication to resolve.
Do you have an opinion about grandchildren using "sir" and "ma'am"? Vote and then click on the link below to leave a comment.
Poll: Are your grandchildren expected to address adults as "sir" and "ma'am," and how do you feel about this usage?- Their parents expect them to use "sir" and ma'am," and I agree.
- Their parents expect them to use "sir" and ma'am," but I do not agree.
- Their parents do not expect them to use "sir" and ma'am," and I agree.
- Their parents do not expect them to use "sir" and ma'am," but I wish they would.
- Expectations vary among my grandchildren's parents, but I approve of "sir" and "ma'am."
- Expectations vary among my grandchildren's parents, but I do not think "sir" and "ma'am" are necessary.
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