The Magic Words Fresh from a harrowing visit to Maryland, during which I had to endure the company of some ill-mannered individuals, I realize what made the trip so awful. What would make any adult, who shares my ideals and sensibilities, so aggravated the entire time? The answer: The complete absence of The Magic Words. Wasn’t it as a child that most of our parents taught us how to use “Please” and “Thank You”? I’m not so much of a heel that I can’t overlook the occasional slight, but to never hear those terms uttered in the appropriate situation is intolerable for me. Particularly when dealing with adults and teens. When a gift is presented, a “Thank You” is in order. The proper time to express your displeasure over the gift received is never in front of its giver! When a request is made, a “Please” should precede it. Adding to that, teens should never address an adult (particularly when unrelated) as they would their peer. Parents are setting their children up for failure when they neglect to emphasize the importance of manners and opt instead to function in the role as their child’s friend. If you do not guide your child, who will? We are grooming the next batch of friends, students, parents, employees, entrepreneurs and world leaders…how would you prefer that they behave? Here’s hoping we ALL start taking this parenting thing a little more seriously.

The Magic Words

Fresh from a harrowing visit to Maryland, during which I had to endure the company of some ill-mannered individuals, I realize what made the trip so awful. What would make any adult, who shares my ideals and sensibilities, so aggravated the entire time? The answer: The complete absence of The Magic Words. Wasn’t it as a child that most of our parents taught us how to use “Please” and “Thank You”?

I’m not so much of a heel that I can’t overlook the occasional slight, but to never hear those terms uttered in the appropriate situation is intolerable for me. Particularly when dealing with adults and teens. When a gift is presented, a “Thank You” is in order. The proper time to express your displeasure over the gift received is never in front of its giver! When a request is made, a “Please” should precede it. Adding to that, teens should never address an adult (particularly when unrelated) as they would their peer.

Parents are setting their children up for failure when they neglect to emphasize the importance of manners and opt instead to function in the role as their child’s friend. If you do not guide your child, who will? We are grooming the next batch of friends, students, parents, employees, entrepreneurs and world leaders…how would you prefer that they behave? Here’s hoping we ALL start taking this parenting thing a little more seriously.

()