Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, and writer, once said, “Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.” How often do you hear, “Please,” or “Thank you,” from young people? When something is done for us, we should be appreciative and express that appreciation. Our speech reflects our heart’s attitude and our level of true courtesy.
In today’s society, it is not considered very “cool” to be a courteous young man or young lady. What used to be very common among boys and girls now is very uncommon. To be courteous in every aspect of your life, such as your speech and your actions, will set a young person apart from the common disrespectful language and treatment of adults by most children. In Character Connection, our teachers attempt to build a basis for courtesy by helping children understand that manners do matter.
In research for this lesson, a resource for the conduct of boys and girls was discovered called Manners and Conduct In and Out of School, penned in 1921. How far we have come since those days! Expected behavior once included opening doors for ladies, standing to greet elders, and never speaking with food in your mouth. All this behavior was expected—not rewarded. The Bible has wonderful examples of how to be courteous in speech and conduct, and the Character Connection teachers do their very best to teach these Bible stories effectively.
Here are some points on courtesy to discuss with your children:
Do you look people in the eyes? Looking grownups in the eyes is a way of showing respect, especially when greeting them.
Do you open doors? You should open doors for everyone if you are a boy, and for the elderly if you are a young lady.
Do you offer an older person a seat in a crowded room? Always offer your seat to an elderly person.
How do you greet people? You should greet with a firm handshake and say “Hello, how are you?”
In conversation, do you attempt to talk over others? This is very discourteous and only makes all the people involved talk louder.
Do you intently listen to others while they are talking? Always listen and allow others to conclude their conversation. Looking them in the eyes is courteous.
Do you take things away from others? Don’t be a bully to those around you.
Helping children recognize the effect they can have on the lives of others is, in our minds, one of the most important lessons we can offer our students at Character Connection. Join us next week for more!
MEMORY VERSE
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:” I Peter 3:8