In today's world, the race for immense knowledge and digital learning often overshadows the importance of genuine human interaction, causing it to take a backseat. Now, the simple act of being polite and nice has become old-fashioned. I always want to tell everyone that teaching our children good manners is not all about showing respect; it's about raising children to be empathetic, confident, humble, and ultimately kinder human beings. Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.- Clarence Thomas
Manners are more than "please" and "thank you."
Manners are more than please, thank you, excuse me, and sorry. These phrases are the foundation building blocks; true manners go beyond these phrases. Manners are an external demonstration of internal empathy, as they teach us to acknowledge others for their efforts and time. Acknowledging is the first step in recognizing and appreciating the actions of others. Handling conflict gracefully, such as apologizing sincerely or disagreeing respectfully, is another aspect of maintaining healthy relationships. A child who knows how to interact appropriately in a community that child is confident and has values to interact.
Manners in the Digital Age
The evolution of digital learning has changed; our kids aren't just navigating the playground, they are digital space where unusual things are happening. Due to digital evolution, parents need to make extra efforts to build manners and values in their children. Teaching children to be thoughtful about how their words matter, even in text or verbally.Parents need to understand the power of presence when a child is watching something on the screen. Making eye contact, reading facial expressions, and engaging with your child are more crucial than providing games. Manners and values are within us. If we follow and set values of manners for ourselves, we can give values to our children.
Easy Way to Teach Real-World Courtesy
First, we need to understand that manners extend beyond "please" and "thank you." We should include the principles of manners in a meaningful way:
Model the Behaviour: Children are always watching us, so whatever actions we are doing, they are watching and imitating. Ask yourself: Do you apologize sincerely when you make a mistake? If you want your child to speak respectfully, you need to change first; show your children how to be calm and respectful when you get stressed and irritated. Home is the first school where children learn kindness and empathy towards other human beings.
Understanding the Role of a Parent: A Parent is the true model for manners. How you treat others and speak within your family really matters. Whatever actions you take or the way you speak matters the most, as your child is learning from you. When you practice good behaviour and indulge in new skills with your kids, it creates a healthy environment.
Focusing on Family: Maintaining good relationships within your family is crucial, as children watch how we should be respectful with each other.
Dinner Table Manners:
The dinner table is one of the best places to connect with each other. Here family comes closer and understands each other's needs & wants, likes and dislikes. Table manners teach a lot about how and when to speak, about chewing with the mouth closed, and about actively listening to each other. These habits create respect and enable everyone to understand the boundaries that we should follow to respect each other.
In the end, teaching manners is a long-term game that cannot be taught in one day. It's a practice that has to be learned through patience and consistency. Teaching good behaviour is most crucial for parents, as they are the ultimate guides for their own children. Watching out for children's habits is not being strict, it's about that you care their well-being. The tools parents need to navigate are giving social values, making genuine connections, and maintaining boundaries so that children can respect.
Parents need to understand that they are responsible for raising kind hearts for our society, and that is a job well done.
An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up their acts with their life. Robert A. Heinlein
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