Manners….What Manners?
For all of us ‘old’ people it is sometimes difficult for us to watch the kids of today with what we would call bad manners. Adults who are over 50 were fortunate enough to have learned good manners not only from our parents, but also from our teachers. So, what does it matter if our children have good manners? In this world of instant gratification, does asking please takes too long? And I have noticed in my travels that people that live in cities are less likely to say ‘excuse me’ or even ‘thanks’. Not enough time? Don’t want to connect with strangers? Scared? I have yet to figure out the reason, but I still stand by my values that good manners are worth using. As with any behavior, people learn by modeling, by trying things and realizing they are worthy, and seeing the reactions by strangers that are the recipients of your good manners. So what are good manners? Of course saying please and thank you is at the top of the list. When someone opens the door for you, saying ‘thank you’, or even better opening the door for someone else. Do not walk into or step in front of someone without saying ‘excuse me’. Manners are about being kind and considerate to your fellow man. A smile can do wonders for the person next to you in line. Think of how it makes you feel when someone says ‘Hi’ and nods to you. Helping someone less fortunate than you can not only make his or her day, but also can put a glow in your heart for helping. Like many other behaviors, children learn by example. Life and social skills are important in teaching our children how to stay safe. It opens doors for our kids. It gives them the tools they need to succeed and get the best from their environment. Remember when Grandma used to say, ‘You get more with honey than with vinegar’? It’s really true. So parents, grandparents, teachers, and others, set a good example by using good manners and teaching our kids the benefits.
For all of us ‘old’ people it is sometimes difficult for us to watch the kids of today with what we would call bad manners. Adults who are over 50 were fortunate enough to have learned good manners not only from our parents, but also from our teachers. So, what does it matter if our children have good manners? In this world of instant gratification, does asking please takes too long? And I have noticed in my travels that people that live in cities are less likely to say ‘excuse me’ or even ‘thanks’. Not enough time? Don’t want to connect with strangers? Scared? I have yet to figure out the reason, but I still stand by my values that good manners are worth using. As with any behavior, people learn by modeling, by trying things and realizing they are worthy, and seeing the reactions by strangers that are the recipients of your good manners. So what are good manners? Of course saying please and thank you is at the top of the list. When someone opens the door for you, saying ‘thank you’, or even better opening the door for someone else. Do not walk into or step in front of someone without saying ‘excuse me’. Manners are about being kind and considerate to your fellow man. A smile can do wonders for the person next to you in line. Think of how it makes you feel when someone says ‘Hi’ and nods to you. Helping someone less fortunate than you can not only make his or her day, but also can put a glow in your heart for helping. Like many other behaviors, children learn by example. Life and social skills are important in teaching our children how to stay safe. It opens doors for our kids. It gives them the tools they need to succeed and get the best from their environment. Remember when Grandma used to say, ‘You get more with honey than with vinegar’? It’s really true. So parents, grandparents, teachers, and others, set a good example by using good manners and teaching our kids the benefits.
