Saturday, October 18, 2008

Manners

I teach in a public elementary school and see all to often the lack of manners many children have. It could be something as simple as interrupting people talking to a total lack of respect! I think it is sad when a child who is polite stands out in a crowd for being one of the FEW who still has manners. I work very hard in my class helping the children understand how to be polite.

I also do the same with my son. Granted, he's a 10 year old boy and is often the "act before you think" kind of boy but for the most part has pretty good manners.

One thing that happened recently sticks out in my mind. I had stopped at a local coffee shop to get coffee to bring to Brittainy's. While there, I noticed that an elderly man was speaking to Tim (it's a small shop and no other people where there). Then I saw that Tim was helping him get up out of his seat. When I walked to them, the gentleman was telling Tim that he was shot in Germany during WWII and needed his cane to walk. Tim, then walked to the door to hold it open for him. The gentleman was happy to share his story and Tim was happy to listen.

I was proud of the kindness Tim showed that man, and the fact that he knows what the polite thing to do was without being asked. I always see him hold the door at school for people coming in and out of the building. He makes me proud. I wish more parents would install good manners in their children.


take care,
Dawn

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dawn, your sweet Tim didn't surprise me. Look at his mom. Children need to taught to be helpful and polite but a lot of their learning is from watching their parents. There are too many impolite adults out their too. God bless the teachers who have to pick up the slack. That's you dear Dawn. Have a great weekend.

Thank you for your sweet comments on my posts as always.

Love Jeanne

SmilingSally said...

That acorn didn't fall far from that tree. :-)

Darlene said...

AMEN! I make sure Lexi is polite and do that by leading and showing her the example. She always holds doors open for people and if they drop something rushes to pick it up for them. What is getting funny now is that when she does something and that person does not even acknowledge it (there are getting to be so many rude people) she comes back to me and says...they didn't even thank me. I just tell her they weren't brought up the "right" way and all we can do is be nice and hope that might rub off on them.

Unknown said...

Hi Dawn
I know you're proud of Tim...what a thoughtful boy he is!

I agree....lots of parents don't realize the importance of manners.

In the south, we consider yes mam and no mam to be mannerly in children.

Connor has been trying! I actually get tickled when I say something and he answers me Mam? LOL

Anonymous said...

What a great kiddo you have raised, Dawn! Not only have you instilled good manners in him, you have done something even better---given him a good and kind heart. That comes from his good and kind environment.

Hey, YOU can be one of my friends any old time you want. We'd LOVE to add another Black Hatter to the table next year---or at any old event--we don't have to wait until next HWeen!!! That group of ladies consisted of (mainly) Bonnie's friends from High School and a couple of gals she has know for over 40 years. They are a wonderful group---a real inspiration to all of us as to the importance of nurturing friendships and having a good time at every possible opportunity.
Have a restful weekend.!!!! dana

Anonymous said...

Dawn, that Timmy is a keeper. I think he two of you are a perfect example of "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree". You are both very special people.

Anonymous said...

Dawn
Interesting topic. R.J. and I were just talking about manners last night. We have always been after the kids to do the right thing with respect, manners and responsibilities.
I wish you were my teacher.
Have a great Pink Saturday and a relaxing weekend
Claudie

Lorrie said...

What a sweet post. It's so wonderful when we catch our children in those moments and can see that they are learning the things that we've been striving to teach them.

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn!! Your good training does pay off. Good little boy!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Hello Dawn! Dropping by to say hello and wishing you a wonderful weekend! Sweet post!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Dawn

This was an excellent post! I do see a deterioration of manners in children and I'm glad your teaching your students what their parents should have!

Kudos to your Tim!

Hugs, Pat

Nola said...

You should be so very proud of Tim; so many kids now days don't show any respect. For the elderly, a show of interest and some conversation makes a big difference in their day! So many times people are in such a hurry, they overlook the elderly who are often starved for companionship. Thanks Tim!

Mo..."Mo's Cottage" said...

What a wonderful story about your son...It makes your heart feel good when you know your son was really taking it all in as you teach him to be kind and polite...I know he will grow up to be a wondeful man.....
Hugs,
Mo :-)