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The Lost Art of Manners

November 2, 2011 by fabfrugalmama

When I was young, I was taught to always use good manners and, for the most part, it stuck. In my house, we learned to address adults properly (Mr., Miss, Mrs.), and always treat others with respect. We were taught to be grateful for what we received and to show our gratitude with the niceties of “Please” and “Thank You”. In fact, up until I had baby #2, I was a stickler for sending out hand-written thank-you notes. These days, a sincere email with an accompanying photo of my child with said gift has to suffice. ๐Ÿ˜‰ But, I digress…


I always knew I’d teach my kids the values that my mom instilled in me. Through teaching me good manners, she helped me understand their true worth and how they can impact one’s life – expressing gratitude makes us more grateful; showing respect to others increases our own self-respect. These are qualities we need more of today. When was the last time you saw a child who was truly grateful for something they received? Kids are given so much that we often deprive them of the opportunity to feel real gratitude. Gratitude is humbling, yet strangely empowering. Being grateful for something implies its worth, validates it, makes us appreciate it more. It’s amazing to think of the important life lessons being learned along with all of the “pleases” and “thank yous”!

As I teach my kids the valuable lessons and skills I learned growing up, I can’t help but wonder if manners really are a lost art. You see, I’m constantly being told that my 4-year-old is “so polite”, “has wonderful manners” and “is so appreciative”, yet most of the time it’s said with such shock and surprise… like it’s completely unexpected.  I know a lot of other kids who are polite, so it’s not just my kid.

But I’d like to see more people view great manners not as the exception, but the rule.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: etiquette, kids, manners, parenting

Comments

  1. Multi-Testing Mommy says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:47 am

    I am with you 110% on this one ๐Ÿ˜‰ We get very similar compliments for our childrens' manners and I'm baffled by it really. One time at a restaurant, the server told my then 5 year old daughter that she had better manners than all of the adults she had served that day. Are manners becoming a thing of the past? I certainly hope not! Great post.

  2. Fab Frugal Mama says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    Thanks for your comments, MTM! Manners won't go the way of the do-do bird if we have anything to say about it, right?! ๐Ÿ™‚

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Welcome!

Fab Frugal Mama

I'm Lisa - a business owner, wife & Mom of two. I no longer contribute to this blog, but hope you enjoy the many articles I have written about my parenting adventures, products I can't live without, my love of The Happy Planner, and how to save a few bucks. It was a fun 10-year ride! ๐Ÿ™‚

For the past 12 years, I have worked in the social media and digital space. My passion is working with fellow female business owners to solve their biggest digital challenges and help them thrive online. Interested in working with me? Click here

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