A few weeks back my son did something that made me
give pause. I took him with to go shopping. As he was opening up the
door to the store, he never glanced back to see if anyone was behind him. He
just opened he door for himself and walked in. I was directly behind him and
had the door shut in my face, due to his inconsideration. Also there was an
elderly couple coming in directly behind me. I was very embarrassed and shocked
at his behavior. I had a long talk with him on his behavior and how that is going to change for the better.
See, I know I raised him right. I taught him the value of using manners. I taught him to never look down on others. I taught him to always look for the good in each other. I taught him to respect his elders, never talk back, open doors for others, etc.. So If I taught him all that, then why did he act this way?
In part I think it's society. According
to the Daily
Mail a growing lack of adult authority has bred a 'spoilt generation'
of children who believe grown-ups must earn their respect. It's becoming a me,
me, me generation. They are in their own heads and no real cares in the world.
When they don't show consideration for other people, it's simply because other
people have no relevance in their world.
The other part is due to parents having busier
schedules than yesteryear. Some parents work sun up to down and
barely see their children at all. As a parent you hope that you are teaching
your children to behave in a respectful manner, but sometimes it falls to the
waste side. We need to be teaching our kids those magic words: Please, thank
you, you're welcome, I'm sorry, may I, and excuse me.
Sending handwritten notes has some how become a thing
of the past. Why is this?

We are not teaching our children the most important
manner of all: showing and treating others with respect. Children
learn by example. Show kindness to others and your children will pick up on
that. Speak in a kind and gentle voice. If a child hears yelling and bickering
all the time, that's exactly what they will do. You are your child's teacher.
When talking to another person give them your full attention. It's the same
with children. If you ignore them when they are trying to have a conversation
with you, then they will learn that, what they have to say isn't important.
Above all respect your elders and the disabled. Open doors for them, offer up a
seat on the bus to them, let them go ahead of you when ordering food... This
goes for all adults. Show courtesy to everyone. You lead by example. If your
child sees that, it will become second nature to pull out a seat, or open doors
for others.
Obviously these are a few things that I noticed, so because
of that, I'm setting out on a mission. Starting in July I'm going to do 30 good
deeds for 30 days. I'm going to get my own children involved in these deeds. I'm going to post what happened as a weekly series. There are a few rules though: has to be kid friendly, can't be costly, has to
work around my tremendously busy schedule and can't involve needles or
blood.
Some ideas I'm working on are paying it forward,
participating in community events, donate clothing, write notes to local
organizations thanking them for their hard work, and donate to the local animal
shelter. This are just a few ideas, but I need more suggestions. What good
deeds would you like to add to my list? Drop your ideas in the comments box
below.
I like the idea of a hand written note. I think this is special for any child to receive. I think that hand written notes add a special touch. :)
ReplyDeleteI think so too. I have tons of crafting supplies and they love to make their own thank you cards.
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