Marge: Whatever happened to “please” and “thank-you?”
Homer: I think they were killed in one of those murder-suicide things.
Manners still count, partly for the obvious reasons but also for the impact they have on the confidence of children.
When kids display good manners they get lots of positive reactions and feedback from adults. It kicks off a virtuous reinforcement cycle.
Contrast this with the reactions kids get when they are sullen and disrespectful (and are then surprised that adults treat them like kids).
Parents who don’t instill manners do a disservice to their children.
We are finding this to be true. It’s really neat to hear our 2-year-old say “thank you.” He says it at the oddest times as well. It’s always welcomed. WE’ve also taught him to say, “You’re welcome.”
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What I find uncomforting is when adults are this way, and they become shocked when other adults treat THEM like kids.
tr
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Neil:
This topic struck close to home for me. We stress manners for our four and they notice the time and attention they receive from adults and are able to notice poor examples of their peers.
I’m a bit old fashioned, and having gone to a military academy for high school, it is not unusal for me to address my little ones, their friends, or pediatric patients with titles such as Mr. or Miss, sir or ma’am. People young and old notice, and more importantly liked to be valued. The most positive responses I’ve received have been from kids and parents of my son’s baseball team that I helped coach. I give then that, because it comes naturally, because my baseball skills and knowledge is rather pedestrian!
Best,
Joseph
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