These forgotten practices can be easily overlooked in our society today, but they are still important things to teach and instill within our children.
RESPOND WHEN SPOKEN TO
Remember the days when kids actually acknowledged those who were talking to them with a verbal response? While it may seem to be fading away, let’s continue to instill that within our children today.
MAKE EYE CONTACT
There’s just something to be said about a young person who looks an adult in the eyes when they’re speaking to them. But it doesn’t usually happen on it’s own. It’s a learned behavior.
A PROPER HAND SHAKE
I’m always encouraged when I shake hands with a young person who knows how to give a good, solid handshake combined with looking me in the eyes. Whether in day to day personal interactions, or when going for a job interview, a good handshake can tell a lot about a person.
COMMON POLITENESS/COURTESY
When a child knows how to say “please”, “thank you”, or “excuse me” without having to be prompted by mom or dad, it’s quite refreshing. But we realize that those are trained behaviors that have usually been taught at a young age.
‘YES, SIR’ & ‘YES, MA’AM’
It may seam a bit old fashioned to some, but teaching our children to respond with “Yes sir” or ‘Yes ma’am” is still a sign of respect. In a society where respect is fading fast, such responses can breathe hope into an older generation when they hear it from the mouths of young people.
I don’t believe that any of these things will make or break your child’s character. But I do believe that all of them, if taught and practiced, can give your children an advantage in many avenues of life as they get older, whether relationally or occupationally. These are simple things that can help them to stand out above the rest.
Do you agree… disagree, or have more forgotten practices to add? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
