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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]You took your own kids to the movies and bought them some popcorn and you are mad they didn't say thank you? If we go as a family to see a movie or to the park or out go eat my kids don't thank us. If they go out with someone else they do thank the person.

Kids also like experiences not always material things and 6 months from now they might not remember who bought them what. I can picture you being annoyed with them after the movie and them not wanting to go out with you again. [/quote]

+1. I mean, we’re the kids complaining through the movie or were they enjoying it and excited and animated?  That’s how kids show appreciation to their own parents.  Not by saying “thank you for buying me popcorn, dad!”  I’m unclear on what you’re expecting.  If they’re being rude about it and actively expressing dislike, then I wouldn’t take them again, lesson learned.  But if they’re happy and excited and chatting and recalling the movie, then that is appreciation.  Kids don’t say thank you to their parents for every little thing.  We went to Disney recently.  I don’t think my kids said “thank you” but I know they appreciated it and enjoyed it.[/quote]

Exactly.  And I will add, teaching good manners (please and thank you) is a long-term thing, not just limited to getting pissed off that your step kid doesn't grovel enough when you take them to the movies.  My kid is 7 and I have spent 7 years reminding him to say please and thank you.  He still needs to be reminded almost every time, but now he also bursts out in spontaneous "Mommy thank you SO MUCH!!" and it is awesome.  And while I enforce please and thank you for every day things (like asking for a glass of juice or whatever), I don't think it would occur to me to expect him to thank me for a trip to the movies.  It's something we do together, not really something I do for him.  He doesn't understand money well enough yet to get that I am paying for us both. [/quote]

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