The Magic Word

When you hear the phrase “What’s the magic word?” what do you think of? Near everyone would say “The word, please, obviously!” How many of you would know where you learned that? Probably not as many. I definitely don’t know who taught me what the “magic word” was (though I will say my parents taught me to be polite). I just know the phrase. As it turns out that is something you do still have to teach. My two year old daughter learned this quite recently.

We were all sitting at the table eating dinner when Henny announced she wanted a napkin. My husband, sitting next to her, informed Henny that was not the right way to ask. He said she needed to be nice and asked her “What’s the magic word?”. She looked at my husband and very confidently (and loudly I might add) recited “Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse!”. (For those who don’t know these are the magic words recited at the beginning of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney Jr.) I could not help it and just burst out laughing. She was so proud of herself though! In her mind she had gotten this answer right on the first try! It was then Evan corrected her, informing Henny the “Magic Word” was in fact the word please.

This story comes to mind every time I teach them some thing or hear them repeat what they have heard me say. These children are sponges absorbing everything they hear and see. I am reminded time and time again how important it is to watch what I say and what I do at all times. They are learning from me and it matters what I do. In order to grow them in the way they ought to be I must show them how not just tell them how.

As a side note, I say at all times because if it is only something I do when I know they are near me then it isn’t a strong enough habit. I could slip up or they could hear me when I don’t know they are there and that sets a precedent of its own. One that says they can act whatever way they want when they think no one is around and that is equally as wrong. God is always watching and it is him we are to be living for.