Hokay. I'ma call you on that, David.

Good points, Sox! I hire you as Matilda's advocate in family court.

I'm not too worried about it. You know who gets impatient at the repetition? Kids that already get it. (As you note.)

Also, I'm fine with her not being cowed by authority.

OTOH, she can be obnoxious at times with an imperious tone. And we've been talking to her a lot about that at home anyway, so Miss Cathy's comments didn't come out of the blue.

I would love to hear what a five-year-old imperious tone sounds like. That sounds hilarious.

Yeah, learning how to get along in the situation you're in is one of the most important things to learn in school, IMO. In first grade, I was definitely prone to getting up to talk to my friend when I was done with whatever. Not on, kid!

OMG, I was sopping wet by the time I got home. Bleh! I hope my coat is dry by the morning.

Just popping in to say thanks for all the well-wishes! Obviously, things are kinda crazy right now, so I'll be popping back out of this thread, but we both do really appreciate it.

Everyone is doing great!

Ellie totally has the six year old imperial tone down. It can set me on edge faster than almost anything else - especially because while she is often right from her perspective, she's usually missing something - like respect for adults.

Actually, I think respect can be very difficult to teach. If you are right, you are right. Why should age matter? (At least, that's how she sees it.)

If you are right, you are right. Why should age matter? (At least, that's how she sees it.)

Ah, I cringe to think how often this was me as a kid. Sorry, Mom!

I would love to hear what a five-year-old imperious tone sounds like.

None more imperious. She also has a dreadful habit of handing things off to us instead of dealing with them herself -- leaning all the way across the couch to hand me her water cup so I can cross the room and put it on the table next to her (usually accompanied by, "Mommy, when I hold this out to you that means you're supposed to take it") and such. Sometimes she longs for the all-enveloping safety of infancy, and sometimes she's as languid as a Gilded Age heiress.

Mostly we reiterate the importance of nice words and kindness and remembering that everyone deserves respect. And Miss Cathy did note that her attitude has really improved in the last couple of weeks. But, oh, sometimes she's the bossiest bossypants in the Land of Boss.

I did not know Carol Channing was black. Ish. Huh.

the bossy little cow.

Cow is such a derogatory term for a female. I just hate it. Even with the bossy-cow thing.

I wonder if this is one of the things a boy would get away with, or even lauded for.

Frisco is on his way to be the master negotiator, I think. For example, he knows he has to clear his place when he is done eating. But he is very quick to say "Mommy, this is a big plate. I think I need a grown-up to clear it. Can you do it?" complete with super sweet expression and a genuine smile.

Or he'll say "Mommy, I need you to carry the iPad downstairs because I am carrying my plane and I only have two hands", an expression he learned from me. Because, you know, why should he have to make two trips when mom has her hands only moderately full.

I get imperiousness coupled with a fascination with poop and farts. Be glad you don't have 5-6 year old sons, ladies! (How many times have I had to say, "I am not a trash can. You can go throw that away yourself." and "How do we ask for things politely?")