There are so many different directions we could go with the details of this topic, so I’m just hitting on a few that come to my mind. If you have areas you’d like to discuss, let me know!
We are reading a book called “Protocol Matters” by Sandra Boswell. It’s an excellent reminder of basic, courteous behavior. As I compare the instruction in the book to my interactions with others, it’s a sore reminder of how far we’ve slipped away from “loving others as ourselves” through the way we interact.
I was thinking, shouldn’t we be just as intent on teaching them important social skills as we are academics? Lately I’ve been hearing that in the business world, it’s all about relationships. What better way to prepare our children for adulthood than teach them about interacting with others?
I am reminded of the common misconception that taking care of little ones is just a matter of maintaining their physical needs. Under that assumption, the daycare worker may be just as good a choice as Mom.
But boy have we missed the mark! There is so much training, from the little rules of behavior, to handling major issues of the heart that we must be vigilant to do! If we are to raise the bar for our children, WE HAVE TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN! It starts when they are young!
As you attend to your life work, here are some practical suggestions from the book about conversation. (Has anyone talked to a teenager lately?) These are about half of the rules…I’ll post the other half in another post.
- Stand up as a person approaches you. Men shake hands with other men, but only shake hands with a woman if she offers her hand first.
- Use first names in greeting friends and peers…”It’s nice to see you, John.”
- Speak clearly, concisely, and loud enough to be heard, though not so loud that your voice carries across the room.
- Smile! Your facial expression is important when speaking.
- Stop, look, listen. Pay attention to the other person. It is polite to look at their eyes as they speak, but do not stare. Listen attentively to what they say.
More to come!
5 comments
Kelly,
I have really enjoyed the last 3 posts. It’s funny but my husband and I were discussing this a couple of days ago. I told him that I refuse to expect my children to be rebellious teenagers. Here all along I have been so worried about it… dreading those teen years.
It’s just expected anymore that “teens will be teens”.
Thanks for challenging us to Raise the Bar!
Great posts… thanks so much!
So true!!! I’m not currently able to stay home with my little man but my hubby has been home with him most of the time. Even though we aren’t constantly with him we have made sure that he has basic manners (as a 3 year old). It’s amazing the amount of people that don’t know the words please and thank you! It’s sad when a 3 year old will remind an adult to say it. I am encouraged in seeing my son do so well with these all but forgotten common courtesies but saddened when he’s the only child using them. It makes it hard to explain to him why he has to use his manners and his older cousins don’t. Thanks for the encouragement!!!
btw, I got some of your skin care products for the moms in my life for mothers day. I visited my in-laws’ this past week and she raved about the fact that it’s the best lotion she’s ever used! I tried it and have to agree. We were in you neck of the woods. My in-laws live in Sylvan Springs. Small world!!!!
Blessings to you and yours!
Tracy
Wonderful post Kelly…
and I promise I didn’t read your blog before I posted my latest entry. LOL!!!
Tracy,
Thanks for reminding me that I have GOT to get the skin products page up on our website!!!
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