A child said this to an elder, “Wow! You presented the food just like the restaurant did.”

Elder: “I am not as stupid as you. With one look, I know how it should be done. People as stupid as you will go no where.”

The child came along with the intention to praise, yet, an insult is given in return…..

Is this remark really necessary?
How would you feel, if you were the child?
How encouraging or rather discouraging is that?

Observing responses from different adults is a constant reminder to me that I should really watch what I say to children, not just my children, but all children who crosses my path…