I wanted to take a week off from my How I Do It series to post a Monday Manners, since I haven’t written one in almost a year.
With all the craziness of raising four kids, and trying to fit everything into each day, I don’t think manners should be left by the way side. Trust me, I know it can seem easier to ignore the rude actions, talking back, etc. sometimes, because we as parents have other things to focus on, at that very moment, but sometimes these are the things that can be corrected quickly. While a child yelling or hitting must be reprimanded immediately, so that they understand their wrongdoing and accept their consequences, bad manners can too. A simple, “What did you say?” when they respond with “Yah” or “Uh-Huh” instead of “Yes” or “Yes, Ma’am” can make all the difference. The more it’s practiced, the sooner it clicks. I feel like this is the same with “Please” and “Thank you.” Repetition works. Correct them every time, and they’ll start getting the hang of it. And boy, does it make the world of a difference, from young children, all the way into adulthood. I guarantee you a “Yes, Sir” sounds a whole lot better in an interview, than an “Uh-Huh.” Side Note: I will say, being a Southerner, I always thought that responding with “Yes, Ma’am” was a very proper way to answer a question. Little did I know, that many Northerners feel like someone is being a smart#?* or sarcastic when they respond with a “Yes, Maaam.” Oh well, I guess that’s a North vs. South difference. I hadn’t even thought of it, until one of my friends from Connecticut explained it to me.
My mom was HUGE on manners growing up and I am so thankful for that! I use please, thank you, a million times every day and have even had people comment on my manners. Even asking someone how their day is going and actually meaning it can go a long way with people! Great post and love the family picture!
Yes they do! Please, thank you, and I love you, are things I dont even think of but always use! I can tell the difference of who was rasied with them and who wasnt now that I am in a corporate setting! Actually, in every setting as an adult! It is such a small thing, but makes a world of difference! They matter!
I have no kids yet, but I really appreciate a parent that teaches their children the importance of manners early on. Even the most rambunctious kid can be extra sweet if they know their manners. Keep up the good work!
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You have a beautiful family! Lovely post!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
I'm huge on manners – I work in education and it is AMAZING the number of students I have who can't address you properly, either in person or email! And these kids are 18 and 19 years old, which makes it even more amazing. Oh the times, they are a changing!
jess
Quaintrelle
Love love love all that red and black on your babies! We work hard on please (peas!) and thank you (dank you) here with our 20 month old.
Please and Thank You and nonnegotiable around here and I find it quite easy to enforce. Table ettiquette is a little harder. With 3 kids someone is always walking around, chewing with his/her mouth open, not placing the napkin across the lap , etc. but I still work with them. Kudos for seeing the value in manners and taking the time to teach them to your littles.
Manners are so important! My grandparents and parents were always teaching us that being well mannered is one of the best qualities you could have. I went to a private school where they always reinforced the importance of them as well. When I went to college, I was shocked by how rude people were. Boys would let the door slam in your face and some folks hardly ever looked you in the eye and said the simple please, thank you, yes, no thank you. Manners make ALL the difference!
Your family is so beautiful!
XO
http://www.livebowfully.com
Even before I had children of my own, I always insisted that those I babysat or worked with in school used Please and Thank You, etc. A polite child makes a world of difference both at their young age and of course later in life. My eldest is only 2.5, but she is one of the most polite little girls I know and as my youngest approaches 1, I will soon begin trying to instill those same manners in her!
I know this is an old post but I hope you see it anyway. As an etiquette and protocol professional this 'yes, ma'am' thing bothers me more than any other breach. I am a southerner and I know it's used more down here. But the fact is 'yes/no ma'am/sir' is universal. It should not be a northern/southern thing. I have found that northerners who 'know' (i.e. good breeding) understand this. Those who lack class (I hate saying that, but it's true) do not.