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Positively Polite
By Administrator | September 10, 2005
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
“Mind your manners” my grandma would say. “Yes, remember to be polite” mom would add. These phrases seemed to have disappeared from conversations between adults and children. The results of their absence are evident.
Because of my position as the principal of an elementary school I call homes where children live. I continue to be shocked how rude children are when answering the phone. I am not talking about untrained 3 year olds, but 10 year olds who are curt, uncooperative and do not offer to take a message. I get the feeling that once they find out I am not one of their friends they want nothing to do with me!
Again, my position is such that I have conversations with parents often when their children are present. Simple manners, or politeness would be in order during these conversations. Unfortunately it is the rare child who waits patiently or says, “Excuse me.” Restaurants now routinely place families in special areas assuming the children will not behave well.
Obviously children can’t be expected to be little adults. I have listened to countless stories from people who recount with bitterness memories of harsh “rules” to protect the reputation of their parents. But somewhere in the move to create “child friendly” childhoods some have inadvertently created selfish and often rude children.
Parents, it is ok to expect your children to be polite. It is ok to teach them basic manners. Not sure where to start? Go ahead and ask your parents or someone their age. You can also find a family that has children who are polite. Ask them how they do it. Ask what their rules and routines are that help their children behave that way.
Then your children can follow Ephesians 4:32 and will “Be kind to one another. . .”
May God’s grace and peace be with you,
Mark Strohm, Jr.
Topics: From Mark, Parenting | 1 Comment »
September 11th, 2005 at 9:42 am
Hey, you’re getting good at this!