u/CucumberDiligent8713

I often get feedback that's a bit like "your technique is great, but you sound too mechanical. Emotion is what takes singing from good to outstanding/unforgettable.

When I really feel the words of a song and get lost in it, I tend to be less perfect technique-wise. I get lost in the song and forget my plans for how I want my voice to perform.

I know the goal is for the good technique to become muscle memory so that you can add emotion without losing it, but if you were in my shoes, what would you focus on?

I watch over a few older kids, 9-13. They're always wanting to go out of the house for shopping (their parents give them spending money every week). I have no problem driving them around town and accompanying them. The only issue, however, are their manners.

The older one can be quite moody, and often replies snarkily to friendly small talk from me. They will beg for me to take them places, and then just be sassy. I'm sure it's just the mean early teenager phase, but I'm wondering what I should be saying to them when they're snarky to my friendliness.

They also NEVER say hello/please/thank you to customer service workers. This one bothers me the most. They straight up ignore the workers when they're checking out. The employee will say "thanks have a great day!" And they'll just ignore them and walk away. I started nudging them and whispering "say thank you!" And they do after that.

I'm wondering if I'm overstepping my duties. I know it's important to their parents to be polite, but is it my job to make sure they're being well mannered when we're in public? Especially since they're older and probably don't want a babysitter/nanny anyway. I know it's not my responsibility, I'm not their parents. I just don't want them to grow up to be, well, jerks.