Can someone please tell me when we stopped expecting our children to use their manners?

I think it’s very important to teach your children to be polite, not only in public, but at home as well. Not that my children are the most well mannered children ever. In fact, I’ve had to apologize to my share of people for our lack of respect for those around us. But isn’t it a process?

I don’t expect my 3 year-old to say “Excuse me,” when he passes gas, but I REMIND him to every time. I don’t just tell my kids to say “Thank you,” I say “Thank you,” to them as well. I had a parent tell me once, “I don’t need to say please and thank you to my kids, they just need to learn to do what I say.” I agree with that to a point. I believe manners falls into the “Practice what you preach category.”

If your children see you using manners, they will learn to do the same. We as parents are THE example for our children. They will look to their friends…to a point, they will look to their teachers…to a point…they will look to television…to a point, but WE ARE THEIR FIRST INFLUENCE IN LIFE.

I say this because now that my step-daughter is driving and has her own car, I’m glad that we taught her good, “driving” manners. Ever thought about your “driving” manners?

As much as I hate to admit it, and yes I am guilty of this, talking on the cell phone while driving is rude. If you don’t want your children to do this when they begin driving, you have to stop it yourself. As parents we are always multi-tasking, but would you wash your dishes while holding a loaded weapon? Your vehicle can be just as dangerous, and using manners in your car could teach your children something that could ultimately save their lives. If you MUST make a call, pull into a parking lot or somewhere safe. I’ve even given my children, the ones that are old enough, the phone to make the call for me. Being polite in your vehicle can save not only your lives, but others around you.

One more quick note. Be sure to show your children that it is important to act, in your vehicle, the way you would if that person were standing in front of you.  My guess is your words would be kinder, and you would keep your finger to yourself.

Kudos to you if you’ve already mastered the art of “fine” driving. I’m still working on it, but I know that I want my children to learn those manners as well.