Tag Archives: manners

General Safety Issues

TEN LOST ARTS PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS CAN TEACH THEIR CHARGES (GUEST POST)

Observe any group of children for any length of time and it’s clear that today’s children are different that those of yesteryears. While technology advances have definitely provided advantages to youth of the 21st century, when it comes to homemaking, communication and playtime, some things have become a lost art.

To rediscover things of times past, consider teaching your children:

1. The art of writing thank you cards. Many children today operate with a sense of entitlement and as a result, fail to properly acknowledge and thank people for the things they contribute to them. If someone has done something kind for a child, like give a gift or taken her on a special outing, writing a thank you note is an appropriate way to say thanks.

2. The art of handwritten notes. The handwritten word is a powerful and personal communication tool. With computers and cell phones that function as mini computers, hand written notes have become a thing of the past. Encourage children to write a handwritten letter to a grandparent, pen pal or friend. They’ll be excited to receive their own mail back.

3. The art of storytelling. Long before books, people used to tell stories. Stories can be used to teach a moral principle, share an educational lesson of for pure entertainment. Passing down folklores and fairytales, or sharing stories about your family’s heritage can instill a love of storytelling in your children.

4.  The art of being neighborly. Life is so busy the needs of others around us can go unnoticed. Encourage children to care for their neighbors. Bringing cookies to a new family that moves in, helping to pick up an elderly neighbors lawn or offering to take in the mail for a neighboring family that goes on vacation can help children learn the value of being neighborly.

5. The art of respecting elders. The way children talk to and treat adults and those in authority at times can be downright embarrassing. Reinforce the importance of respecting elders by modeling respect. Insisting children address adults using their proper title, hold and open doors for adults and listen to those in authority, like their teachers, can help reinforce the importance or respect.    There are many older students who are rude to their teachers.  In earlier times, students wouldn’t have even dreamed of being as disrespectful as some are today.

6. The art of thinking. Children need to learn how to think for themselves. Encourage them to consider information for themselves before accepting it as fact. If they think something doesn’t make sense, help them explore their thoughts and encourage deeper consideration of topics that interest them.  They also must learn to be kind to others, and helpful to someone who may be hurt.

7. The art of problem solving. Helping children to see problems as challenges can help to foster a desire to problem solve. Encourage children to face challenges with confidence and brainstorm with them ways to overcome obstacles.

8. The art of sewing. Mending a button or taking up a hem is a life lesson that is worth teaching.  Practice simple sewing projects and progress to other things, should the child express real interest.  How many of us have to take clothes to the dry cleaners because we don’t know how to mend?

9. The art of having manners. Looking at someone in the eyes when speaking to you, saying please, thank you and excuse me when appropriate and not reaching across the table are a few lessons all children could benefit from learning.

10. The art of free play. Never have children been so overscheduled. Play is a child’s work and too often, children aren’t given an opportunity to play. Free time provides the opportunity to children to explore their world around them and create fun for themselves.

Don’t let technology rob your children of learning the lost arts and valuable lessons that have stood the test of time.While making headway in the areas of science and technology are admirable, losing footing in the areas of kindness, courtesy and conversation is not so much.

Thank you, Carol Watson, for this great article, reminding us that teaching children the things learned by generations before them still matter.  Carol writes for National Nannies.

 

General Safety Issues

CREATING CIVILITY IN THE WORKPLACE

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When we were children, our parents taught us manners.  They expected us to use them anytime we were at home, with visitors, and at school: in other words, everywhere.  If you are old enough, you will even remember getting a grade on your report card for “citizenship.”  The word “civility” comes from the old French and Latin term for “good citizen”, and is the glue that binds our society.  

Our workplace is a reflection of society at large.  Studies and polls indicate that Americans view incivility as a serious problem that is getting out of hand.  One study found that 60 per cent of employees believe that co-workers’ annoying behaviors negatively impact the workplace, and as a result, 40 per cent reported that they are looking for other jobs.  These reports show that disrespectful and uncivil behaviors drain productivity and negatively influence both an organization’s bottom line and the overall economy.  To make civility stick in the workplace, it must start at the top.  The leaders of the organization need to encourage it, and they should be role models, since those who work under them often tend to adopt the same management style as a company’s leaders.  Bullying by bosses is very common.  This kind of bullying often can be as bad as domestic violence, leaving victims with post-traumatic stress syndrome.  Practices and procedures that encourage civil behavior have to be inserted into every level of a company, for example:

  • Job descriptions;
  • Hiring practices;
  • Training policies;
  • Daily codes of conduct. 

Back in school – ages ago, there were the 3 R’s: Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmatic.  Now, the 3 R’s in creating civility in your workplace are: Respect, Responsibility, and Restraint.  If most employees develop an awareness of respectful behaviors and communication skills, it can help them serve as role models, and these behaviors will spread in the workplace and beyond.  Here are some helpful tips: 

  • Create an inclusive work environment.  When you respect and recognize individual differences and qualities, your organization can realize it’s full potential.
  • It’s never too late to start.  Hone your listening skills.
  • Before acting, think about the impact of your words and actions on others.
  • Realize that people who regularly engage in kindness, generosity and gratitude live longer, healthier lives.
  • Know your triggers or “hot buttons.” When you understand why something frustrates you, you can manage reactions and respond in a more appropriate manner.
  • Adopt a positive and solution-driven approach in resolving conflicts.
  • Don’t assume!  Rely on facts only.  Gather relevant information, before acting on assumptions that can damage relationships.
  • Take responsibility for your actions and practice self-restraint and anger control.
  • Think about today’s difficult situations from the bigger picture and consider what they mean in the overall scheme of things.
  • Include others in your focus by considering their needs.
  • We all should influence each other, by being  bridge builders for civility and respect.  Show that you respect yourself, and demonstrate that same respect to others.
  • Talk to co-workers face to face and establish more personal relationships than through emails. 

Our legislators have a job to promote decency in their private lives and workplace, too.  They should be accountable for their behavior during the upcoming campaigns and when they are in office.  They work for us and should respect the wishes of their constituents.  After all, we are the ones who put them there, and they should set a good example for all of us. 

Personally, we can teach our children and grandchildren about interpersonal skills and relationships by having conversations with them rather than watching them text on their cell phones, use computers, or play games.   If we share our ideas with them about how to go about life by being thoughtful and showing respect, we will be leaving a wonderful legacy.  After all, life is real, not a game!