Teach by example

You know what bothers me?  Lack of manners.

It bothers me even more when it's a parent with their child.

When I'm out with my children I try to show them manners.  Smiling at others, holding a door open, greeting the cashier at the store, ya know - the simple things.

If I drop something I pick it up, if my child bumps into something, I ask them to help me pick it up.  If I see something on the floor at a store, I pick it up.  Simple manners.

Some people have decided they are above others and do not need to do those things.  See something on the floor?  Step on it or kick it.  Walking out the door, let it slam on a child who is holding their mother's hand trying to get out the door.

It's even worse when parents allow kids to destroy or not take care of property.  If a piece of fruit gets knocked on the floor, it's not so hard to ask your child to pick it up.  If you're at the playground, it's not unheard of to expect your child to share.  It's not the end of the world if your child doesn't push their way to the front of the line.

The rude Mom who was walking behind me and my two children that said, "We better hurry because we don't want to be stuck here" because she was parked next to me, lacked manners.  Not like it takes THAT long for me to get my kids in the car and make sure they are strapped the right way.  Did she remember when her child was young?  Manners - they really do go a long way.

I just want to show my children kindness and consideration of other people and property by example.  Example, after all, is the best way children learn.  I hope that they will be good family members, citizens and friends to others.

The old saying is "It takes a village to raise a child".  This does not mean the immediate village of your family or group of BFFs.  It means every single person.  Children need to see those positive examples.  They need to see manners being used.  It doesn't just stop at the family.  It applies to the people you see out in public.

I am just one person in the world but I try to use manners and show them how to use them.  One little brick in building the village.