Tag Archives: manners

September 24, 2012 · 5:00 am

Double Digits.

This awesome kid is ten today.  I couldn’t just write ten things I love and admire about him.  I could write one-thousand.  I could write for days.  Because, every moment I’m with him, he gives me another reason to thank God for his life.

John Henry,

I love you.  I love every second I get to spend with you.  You are the most well-mannered, ten year old boy I know.  I love how you are so considerate of other people.  How you are genuinely concerned about the well being of those around you.

I love how your hand-shake is firm.  But, it is confidence wrapped in humility.

I love how you know how to be a gentleman.  How you tell a lady, “You look really pretty,” and always prefer them to yourself.

I love how when you see a need, you meet it if it’s within your ability.  You are always so aware of what’s going on around you.

I love how you are so quick to forgive.  How you really do make allowances for other people’s faults.  And, how you quickly acknowledge your own and are the first to say you’re sorry.

I love how truly thankful you are for everything you’re given.  And, how the gifts you love most are the people in your life.

I think I’m just amazed at how much you already imitate Christ.  I’ve prayed your entire life that you would seek Him always.  That you would grow in Him.  But somewhere along the way, you stopped growing in Christ….

And, Christ began growing in you.

I guess in many ways, I kind of look up to you.  I mean, I’m still your mom.  I’m still going to discipline your behavior and train your character.  It’s my job.  But, I respect you.  I admire the young man you are already are.

I’m so thankful God gave me you.  And, I’m thankful He gave you to this world.  You remind us all that chivalry isn’t dead.  You remind us to be kind and considerate to one another.  You remind us that greater is he is within us than he that is in the world.  You remind us to be thankful.

Happy 10th Birthday, JH.  Thank you for being you.

I love you,
Mom

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November 10, 2008 · 6:00 am

I just have to know.


Do you teach your children to say “Yes Ma’am” and “No Sir?” 

Kris and I are strong believers in our children responding to adults in this manner.  I’m learning rather quickly that this form of respect that I grew up practicing is not shared by all other parents.

One mom told me after hearing me correct John Henry on “Yes Ma’am” that such manners were a southern practice.  Are they really?  As a matter of fact, most of the students in John Henry’s class use a simple “Yes” and “No” when responding to their teacher…..most, save John Henry.

I feel that when my children use good manners, they not only exhibit courtesy to others, but they also become aware of their own behavior. 

“Excuse me.”  They have been taught to say this to adults as well as their peers.  It is important that they learn to respect other human beings.

“May I be excused?”  My children never get down from the table without first asking this question.  EVER.

So, am I trying to practice a lost art or are such manners central to various parts of the country?

I just have to know.

What do you teach your children?

“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.  If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use.”  – Emily Post

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