Politeness in Children

Does anyone else feel like teaching politeness to kids is difficult at best?  I try to do my best, but somehow I get tripped up on the minutia.

Like the 'I'm Sorry'. 'I'm Sorry' is such an important phrase. Getting your kid to say it is not easy. When my kids do utter it, after several proddings, I find I'm like an Olympic judge in figure skating, always finding one more thing that wasn't quite perfect. The conversation goes something like:

Me: That was not nice, now say you're sorry.
Kid: I'm Sorry.
Me: You didn't look at him, look at him and say you're sorry.
Kid: I'm Sorry (slightly agitated).
Me: <To the other child> He is trying to say sorry. Did you hear him?
Me: <To the first child> That wasn't very sincere, say it nicer.
Kid: I'm sorry!!
Me: Now ask him if he's okay.
Kid: Are you okay? (through gnashed teeth)
Me: Tell him you won't do it again.
Kid: I won't pet you anymore.
Me: Tell him something nice.
Kid: I like him, he's nice, silly, funny, fun to play with.
Me: Don't tell me, tell him.
Kid: I just said it!!
Me: Okay now give him a hug.
Kid: GRRRRRR! <Starts to leaves room>

Then I feel like I have to evaluate it. "That was great! That was a very nice 'I'm Sorry' ! Thank you so much."

At times, extracting an 'I'm Sorry' can cause more problems than it solves! If it makes the kids more mad and angry, its really just rubbish, so I rely on my instincts of when to just skip it.

Conclusion: Teaching a Sincere 'I'm Sorry' is a valuable lesson I'm sure one day they will thank me for. And I will say, "You're welcome, thank you for thanking me!"