At a party, a man looked my child up and down in admiration, before praising her looks. I saw her visibly shrink. So I taught her the value of bad manners
My daughter is beautiful. At least, I’ve always thought so and, like many mothers of babies and toddlers, I enjoyed the recognition of her gorgeousness from others. “Isn’t she cute?” “Her eyes are so pretty!” “Wow, what lovely thick hair!”
There are, of course, many other wonderful things about my youngest – her voracious appetite for books and wicked comic timing for a start – but, as she morphed from baby to toddler to young lady, I noticed how strangers commented on her looks much more than they did with my son.
Bad Manners by Amy Beashel is published on 27 March (HarperNorth, £16.99). To support the Guardian and the Observer, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
