Today at lunch, David instructed Bethel in the art of “see-food.” She happily followed his example, even after I squelched his lessons. I suspected this was something David learned from a church potluck the night before, where all the children sit together. (I did not see any of this behavior, but I was close enough to stop an older boy from throwing ice.)

When they went to take a nap later, I started probing to figure out where the behavior came from.
I soon figured out that David was going to agree with anything I said, “Is showing people chewed up food rude?” Yes. etc. I’m particularly concerned because David is extremely observant, and I want to help him discern appropriate and inappropriate behavior that he sees (without becoming arrogant, a delicate balance)

I remembered Mom’s handy-dandy third person trick: for nonthreatening discussions, stick to third person. So I talked about Johnny. What should Johnny do when another boy shows him his chewed up food. Would that be funny? (yes) Should he laugh? (maybe [to be honest]) Should Johnny do it too? Why not? (and so on)

I’ll have to remember this trick. I think it will be very useful for this child.

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