It is apparent in today’s society that decorous behaviors - good manners, practicing proper etiquette and hygiene, extending common courtesies - once thought of as essential practices by parents who led by example in order to have well-bred children, are now outdated and have been replaced with distasteful conduct by an uncouth and scruffy emerging generation.
Boorish behavior is an unfortunate epidemic as of late, and will only progress if parents don’t get a grasp on it. I fail to comprehend the difficulty in teaching children how , and the importance of, verbalizing pleasantries such as please, thank you, and excuse me. It’s as if these children are being raised in a house devoid of charm; and, it’s quite disgusting when you stop and think about it.
Seriously, I have been in a restaurant and watched in horror as unruly children played hide and seek under other patrons’ table as their parents sat idly by and finished their meal. I have observed mature adults who do not understand the concept of proper table manners, and I have viewed countless children, and adults, who double-dip, eat with their fingers, belch and fart at the dinner table, talk with their mouths full, gnaw on meat instead of cutting it, reach over everyone at the table instead of asking items be passed.
Gah!
My two-year-old is more refined than some adults I know. He says please when asking for something, thank you when he gets it, excuse me when he sneezes or coughs, and bless you when I sneeze or cough. While he is making progress in his attempt to master the art of eating on his own, with utensils, he is clever and understands cruddy fingers require a napkin, not his pant leg. He chews with his mouth closed, careful to take small bites and eat slowly.
Corbin understands the importance of good manners now, because I took the time to establish proper habits with him from day one; leading by example and verbal repetitiveness has instilled him lifelong civility that he will one day be able to pass on to his own children.
It all boils down to ones capacity and willingness to teach their children right from wrong and demonstrate kindness to others. Teaching our children to conduct themselves in a manner that is expected in society is not being oppressive about proprietary matters, but rather encouraging goodwill toward all.
So, what do you think? Are modern parents becoming too lackadaisical about such issues?
8 comments:
yes manners are very important. I have tried to instill them at home but peer pressure gets the best of them at school I am afraid
Were you eating in the same restaurant as me and my kids?? I'd say I'm embarrassed, but really just worn out.
I have a part-time retail job and I see all kinds of parents. For the most part, I see parents who expect their children to behave. But there are still those parents who believe the toy aisle is meant as a play area while the adults shop... and think I'm there to clean up after their kid. I expect my daughters to say please, thank you, cover their mouths when they cough, etc. Do I expect them to remember etiquette every stinking minute of their life? No, I'm realistic, but that doesn't mean I can't try!
I think yes, there are some parents that don't take the time to teach their kids manners, but I don't think that is something new!
We try hard to teach out children how to behave, but we also realize that they are just children and they will sometimes misbehave.
Stopped by from SITS.
I have little tolerance for it since I was able to contain my kids when they got unruly.
Stopping by via SITS to say hello
Absolutely, too many parents think it's "cute" when their kids do things that are rude.
My kids definitely don't have perfect manners, though we are constantly working on it.
Though, sometimes, despite our best efforts, my kids still act like, well, kids.
Stopping by from SITS.
Yes! Modern parents are a nightmare. I worry about what type of kids we are raising as a result.
Oh how I wish more parents were like you. It amazes me when I walk down the street, into the train or go to the store and the child has the parent wrapped around his little finger! Throwing tantrums, yelling up a storm and the parent just caters to him. For shame.
Post a Comment
Your feedback is important to me. If you spent time reading my post, please leave a comment and share your thoughts! Have a great day and please visit again soon!