Where Are My Manners?

Growing up, I knew the importance of my "pleases" and "thank yous." I never interrupted a conversation, always held the door for the person ahead of me, excused myself when I left the room and apologized if my words caused offense to anyone. Now as an adult, these considerate habits are expected of my children and anyone else's who have entered my home. As an educator who sees hundreds of young parents and children each week, it makes me happy to see these values being instilled every day.

Learning manners starts at home when children are very young. Modeling is the most important thing you can do to help educate. If you want your child to grow to be a polite adult, show him that you are. If you want him to care about others, show him that you do.

Our job as parents is to be a constant role model of decent behavior for our children as they grow into teens and young adults. Sometimes kids don't make it easy. Sometimes they are in crisis and parents are so overwhelmed that manners are the last thing on their minds. However, if we don't follow through with this on a daily basis, we become self-centered and inconsiderate of others and they follow suit.

Do you know children (and adults) who don't have basic manners? Be the role model for them too. Teach them that the polite response to "thank you" is not "uh-huh." When you approach an intersection with a stop sign, let the other driver go first, even if it's not his turn. Is there someone coming into the post office with a package? Hold the door.   

Am I old-fashioned? Absolutely. But as the years roll by and we are more engaged in our technological society, we must be reminded of basic human kindness, consideration and compassion. Don't take it for granted that everyone knows these things. They don't. So show them how it's done. Politely.