Are Kids Manners Becoming Obsolete?

Back in my day, which would be a long time ago, manners were taught to me before I could crawl. My siblings and I learned the meaning of no, yes, don't touch that and stop that commands early. We never felt burdened by that. In fact, it helped us achieve being able to do things like eating out, playing socially and other skills early. Are kids manners becoming obsolete in today's society? Here are my thoughts on this subject.

Today's parents have to deal with many issues that other generations before them did not have to encounter. A close eye is kept out by all for child abuse and that is great. You should never leave a mark on your child. Some believe in time outs and that is fine. At the age of two or three, though, it is hard to do a time out. My belief is that when you start intervention and learning proper social skills with your child early, you help them out. It is not punishment at this age, it is direction. When a child touches an electrical outlet, a firm no is always warranted. This is protection, not discipline. The same goes for touching dangerous objects. Though your house may be child proof, it is possible that your child will encounter a non child proof home before reaching the age of five.

These no and do not touch verbal lessons need to start early. In your home. Then, the good and wise behavior will carry on wherever your child goes. As soon as I started to speak, my mom made sure I learned how to ask first, before going anywhere, touching anything or traveling outdoors. That included being near or going into a pool before asking. What may be cute behavior at two can be deadly behavior in a strange house. The do not touch rule and ask permission first is important. Your child may grab a strange dog, a snake, a frayed cord and you might not be there when it happens. Here comes the manners lesson.

Asking permission first is a great rule to teach your child. Saying please and thank you both are also very important. Sir and ma'am come next. Respect is a stepping stone to progress and will only raise your child's learning and growth. How to tell the kids that have not been taught any manners? Oh, that is easy. They grab things without asking first, smack other kids, throw stones and sticks into a neighbor's yard and never say please, thanks or Sir. Do not hit others is an important lesson and one that all young children need to learn. They should never hit their siblings or do anything in your home that you would not want them to do in another home. A firm no and a light tap on the hand or wrist will help them remember the lesson. Again, starting young helps this good behavior get retained and last for a lifetime.

The children that learn good behavior and nice manners early generally do better in school. They play well with others and have less traumatic accidents. They know the rules before they ever venture out into the world. A mannerly child is a wanted child at parties, outings and gets praised often, which helps self esteem and promotes hard work. Good grades are a product of a child who knows their manners. They do not mind being good because it is second nature to them. Early praise for a child who has good manners is a must from you. They will learn early that they will have more freedom, the better that they act.

You can spot the kid who has manners right away and they shine brightly. They help others. They follow the rules. They are pleasant and trustworthy. They know the proper greetings and always say thank you to others who help them. As they grow into adulthood, they lead the way and go far. All because they learned early, that being good and having manners bring rewards. Not to mention self worth. Confidence. They stand out in a crowd. If all parents would teach good manners before sitting a child in front of a television or computer, they would save themselves much heartache in the future. Good manners should never be obsolete. They literally mean everything for your child. Thanks, mom. For taking the time to teach me good manners. The lessons were quick, painless and are priceless. And parents must set the example. Don't wait until it is too late.