Kelly Rutherford Minds Her Manners With Hermès

Kelly Rutherford says she’s acutely aware of how her behavior — the good and the bad — is being observed and at times emulated by her 22-month-old son Hermès Gustaf Daniel. That’s why the 39-year-old actress does her best to employ good manners, in the hopes that Hermès will someday follow suit.

Being a good example is the best way to do it because they repeat everything at this age. I think it starts at home.

Hermès is the first child for Kelly and her husband, German businessman Daniel Giersch.

Source: OK!; Photo by Sara Jaye Weiss/StarTraks.

Do you agree or disagree with Kelly?

Comments

I absolutely agree in trying your best to set a good example by your behaviour. Children will definitely test, but by remaining consistent on your expectations it makes a huge difference. They don’t always learn the curse word from the kid at school.

- Lorelei on August 26th, 2008

I couldn’t agree more! I just wish more parents could take that approach!

- KW on August 26th, 2008

My 20 month old is very compassionate.
He says “Bless you ” when people sneeze.
Please and Thank you, youre welcome and the best is “I love you too”.

Start young because you will be amazed at what babies pick up on!

- Brie on August 26th, 2008

I completely agree with Kelly, I think she is setting a great example for her son by doing this. I recall when my son was that age (around 2) I used to swear up a storm when I got upset and then I realized that he was really listening to me when he repeated one of them. So from that moment on I really cut back on swearing in front of him. Even now, he still gives me a hard time for using one of “Mommy’s Bad Words” in front of him, and he’s 11 now.

- Jennie on August 26th, 2008

I agree Brie, my eldest daughter is very polite – we taught her that you need to say excuse me if you want someone’s attention and now she says “‘scuse ‘e” before she starts saying anything!
Her other over used phrase is “I love Hatty lots and lots” or “Hatty I love you” Hatty is her little sister.
I’m a manners maketh man kinda person so I always say thank you or please to other people, and my children, and I expect it back. Alexandra’s first sentence was ‘drink please’ followed closely by ‘fank you mummy’

- Ellie on August 26th, 2008

I absolutely agree. It may seem silly sometimes when you are home alone, but it is far worth it. We grew up in a yes ma’am, no sir, please and thank you type of household and i certainly plan to pass that along to my children.

- Michelle on August 26th, 2008

I worked in a daycare centre and we weren’t allowed to correct the children or ask them to say please or thankyou as some parents felt teaching their children manners stifled their creativity.

Now I respect alternative parenting styles but this is silly. Unless they’re living in an isolatioist community, every child will have to function as a member of society. Please and thankyou never hurt anyone.

- Lilybett on August 27th, 2008

Does anyone else think she looks like Elizabeth Mitchell from Lost?

- SJ on August 27th, 2008

I couldn’t agree more. It will take each child a different timespan, but setting the example is always the best first step… and you can get in the habit beore baby is even conceived!

Then, when the child gets old enough, encourage him/her to copy you if they don’t start on their own… and just have patience… they will do it.

My daughter was shy and it took her a good bit of time longer than her more outgoing brothers, but when she finally did it… she did it all at once… with the pleases, thank-yous, etc. all coming out without having to be reminded as I’d had to do for awhile with her brothers when they started repeating them.

- Kat on August 27th, 2008

yes, I do agree with that but obviously there are times when I just don’t set a good example because sometimes you’re not actually thinking about your children for once, and you’re just having some ‘me’ time. Like I come home from work and maybe I forget something I left at work and I swear forgetting my son is in the same room and I feel bad but luckily he laughs and says ” Mummy, no swearing, it’s bad!” or when I’m with my girlies and we’re having a night in ( with my son, haha but he just gets fussed over like a dog!) and we say something inappropiate…you get my point. I do and always will try and set an example to my little boy because it’s so important. But he’s so great already and just amazes me everyday with his graceful manners and natural charm- everything you could want in a son and more.

- babyboopie on August 29th, 2008