Elise Mcveigh’s Life Camp Column

Dear Mrs. McVeigh,

I have a two year old who refuses to sit still at the dinner table. And eating out is another subject entirely. Wondering if I should let her do “her thing” until she’s 3?

Jackie

Dear Jackie, I would ask her to stay at the table until everyone is done eating. It is tough at first, but it will pay off in the long run. It is easier to establish a habit now (even if she protests like two year olds do), then to suddenly get strict about it when she is older. A child is never too young for you to ask him/her to use good manners.

Dear Mrs. McVeigh,

My daughter’s class at her school took up a collection at the beginning of the year for the class “kitty”. I then saw other moms bring in a gift for our teacher’s birthday last week. I was told that the “kitty” covered her birthday. I am now worried that I look bad that I did not give her an additional gift. I do not want my teacher to think that I do not appreciate her. What do you think?

Beverly

Dear Beverly,

If a class kitty has been established at the beginning of the year, you are covered for gifts. If you want to do something extra to recognize your teacher on any of the days/holidays that the kitty covers, I suggest asking your child to make his teacher a card.