Manners…How It Can Change the World
In today’s age of societal turmoil, manners are more important than ever. Good manners, courtesy, and etiquette are the building blocks of a healthy society. If you want to “Change the World,” begin with style and grace, not hate and disdain. Don’t be a Karen.
Do you notice young kids misbehaving in public? As a grandparent, you just have to smile. You have been there with your own children’s misbehavior. A perfectly well-behaved child can turn into a demon for public display of your lack of parenting skills at that moment in time. But how a parent reacts is critical to a child’s development.
Is the parent ignoring the child and continuing to talk or text on the phone? Or are they trying to have a logical discussion with a toddler throwing a temper tantrum and asking them to “use their words.” Either way is not the most effective at that instant, but we are bystanders. This is Not Your Circus, Not Your Monkeys.
Being a grandparent means biting your lip regarding differences in parenting styles. However, knowing the importance of manners, you can be an influence. Helping young children learn the art of proper etiquette as a grandparent will give them a foundation for success. Here are some reasons why it is important to start young:
Instilling Confidence – Doubt is eliminated if we know how to act in various situations. It saves us from embarrassment.
Making the Best First Impression – It is intimidating to meet someone for the first time, but you are prepared with politeness, proper speech, and manner.
Opening Doors – When opportunity comes along, it is often the polite, well-mannered individuals who are thought of because people remember how you made them feel.
Cultivating Society – Consideration for others by holding the door, offering help, and saying please and thank you pays it forward because you are thinking about someone besides yourself.
Preventing Selfishness – Rudeness and concern for only yourself breed loneliness. It is impossible to be mindful of others and selfish simultaneously.
Sparking Joy – There is a deep satisfaction in helping others; it brings joy.
Inspiring Reciprocation – It is easy to be nice when someone is nice to you. As they say, kill them with kindness.
Laying the Foundation of Success – Proper etiquette brings respect. Respect leads to trust, which is the basis of every solid relationship.
Fostering Relationships – Who wants to be around a loud, rude, uncouth person? Manners assist in developing bonds between people.
Making Others Feel Appreciated – Noticing others’ contributions will make them and you more confident.
Here are our recommendations if you need help with resources to influence raising well-mannered kids.
For Classes, we recommend:
Etiquette Essentials 101 for 6-11-year-olds
The British School of Excellence Kidiquette is an online course for kids aged 5-11
For Books, we recommend:
Connoisseur Kids: Etiquette, Manners, and Living Well for Parents and Their Little Ones for parents
Do Unto Otters for 3 – 7-year-olds
Suppose You Meet A Dinosaur for 3 – 6-year-olds
Teach Your Dragon Manners for 4 – 8-year-olds
Margaret Wise Brown’s Manners for 3 – 5-year-olds.
There are also printed materials and activities to teach manners. If you are looking for more resources, follow us at cjcorki.com. Now is your opportunity to “Change the World” by instilling good manners in your children and grandchildren. Thank You.
