How are your manners?
Friday, June 22nd, 2007There’s a discussion right now on one of the online business networks I participate in about manners. Someone is interested in some feedback around developing a program that teaches manners to children 10-12 years old.
I don’t know if something like that would be successful or not. I depends on a number of factors. What I do know is that if children are only taught manners in school and there is no reinforcement at home, it’s doubtful what they’ve learned will stick with them. I might be wrong but it seems to me it’s unlikely a child who is raised in a home where “please” and “thank-you” aren’t the norm, is going to become a polite adult.
Good manners go a long way. We tend to excuse a lot if the person we’re dealing with is polite. Conversely, we tend to have less tolerance for someone’s imperfections when they lack common courtesy. It’s offensive.
Like so many other things with parenting if we want our kids to have good manners we have to be polite to them and to everyone else we associate with. The most powerful way to teach anything is to role model it. Reminders to say “please” and “thank-you” are good but hearing us regularly say those words is even better.
Do you ever notice how many children on Halloween say “thank-you” after you’ve added to their candy bag? There have been years when I’ve been appalled at how many take the candy then turn around and leave without saying a word. This year I think virtually everyone that came to the door said “thank-you” on their way out. It was so nice to hear.
Do you think there should be more emphasis on manners in the regular school curriculum? How important are manners in the workplace? How important are manners when it comes to social intelligence?



