Manners are not Memorizing Rules

Manners in a Minute

(Children’s voices, if possible):  Three times four is twelve.  Three times five is fifteen.  Three times six is eighteen.  (fade out)

Some things never change.  You and I memorized our multiplication tables, and I bet many of you have had to help your children do the same. 

However, having good manners is more than memorizing a set of rules.  Good manners come from an attitude of the heart that is self-giving, not self-serving.  Children who have good manners in their hearts look for ways to put others, not themselves, first.  They come to see that what they give to the world is more important than what they are given.

Here are some ways to help your children use good manners.  Encourage your children to take in the garbage cans for an elderly neighbor, to sit with the not-so-popular classmate in the school cafeteria, or to “high-five” EVERYBODY after a soccer game.  In turn, you’ll raise children who respect themselves and others even more.

Be sure to tune in this week to learn more about helping your children develop manners of the heart.