Influence

I love what I do, but sometimes I find myself annoyed with poorly reared children.

All children misbehave.  That's why they are children!  They are still learning all the rules and regulations.  It can even be very cute.

Attitude is something else.  Parents teach attitude by the way they interact with and around their children.  It is not a child's fault if she is catty or feels entitled.  Not at the age I work with.

It is important for people to realize how influential they are in a child's life.  Teaching them to be thoughtful and kind, to be considerate -- is an investment in their future. 

Real self esteem does not need to be loud, or pushy, or needy.