A few days ago I listened as a group of frantic parents discussed the advantages of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) educational program. Prior to STEAM, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program was viewed as the pathway to success for children. The parents were discussing the inclusion of the fifth component, Art. They appeared rather perturbed. One man said he felt cheated and robbed. He questioned, \u201cWhy was the public only now being told that there was a new component to this formula for success? How long have the conspirators known about the importance of this A or Art component?\u201d<\/p>\n
It be may argued that the reactions were justified. After all, these parents thought that they were doing everything in their power to set their children on the pathway to success. They had enrolled them in STEM Summer Camps, Math enrichment and Coding classes. The joined the local Lego Clubs. They had researched and invested in cutting edge technology and gadgets. They had lobbied with the education department and the schools to ensure that their schools\u2019 STEM programs were on par with others. Now here comes this new revelation which states that another ingredient was required for this recipe of success. No wonder the gentleman felt cheated.<\/p>\n
What a headache! How were these unfortunate children ever going to catch up? How were these parents going to incorporate that Art component to ensure that their children would be equipped for all of the bounties that life had to offer, the bounties to be had from getting a head start not in STEM but rather STEAM?<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t help but smile. I couldn\u2019t help but wonder whether these parents also got all worked up over one very essential ingredient to success, not professional success, but rather success in life. The essential ingredient to which I refer is that ingredient called \u201cmanners.\u201d Emily Post describes good manners as a tenant which reflects something from the \u201cinside-an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self.\u201d Manners cost absolutely nothing. It is a proven ingredient that would get a child farther in life than any STEM or STEAM science program. Imagine, coupled with these programs, imagine, how far in life a child get!<\/p>\n
As parents we can be so meticulous in ensuring future success for our children. We spend hours researching the best practices. We invest our time and monies to ensure that our children get that leg up. Do we however spend time investing in best practices or doing the required research to ensure that our children grow into individuals who are well-mannered? Where does this fall on the list of our parenting priorities? How important are those magic words to you and your family? I mean the \u2018please and thank you.\u2019 How important is showing kindness, courtesy or politeness to others?<\/p>\n
Ensuring that our children get a head start in life is quite honorable; however we ought to keep this nugget in mind, \u201cThings Money Can\u2019t Buy-Manners, Morals, Respect, Character, Common Sense, Trust, Patience, Class, Integrity and Love.\u201d This should be the bedrock of our parenting philosophy, if you realize, manners tops the list. As parents we should work hard at STEM or STEAM whatever the preference, however we need to also work extra hard at ensuring that our children receive those tenants that money can\u2019t buy. We need to ensure that they have morals, character, respect and manners.<\/p>\n
Social Graces-Essential Social Manners for Children<\/strong><\/p>\n As parents we should aspire to raise children who are polite, courteous and kindly considerate of others. Saying, \u201cYes, Maam, No Maam, Yes Sir, No Sir, and Please and thank you,\u201d are not antiquated graces. Here is a list of essential social graces for children:<\/p>\n \u2981 Be polite and gracious to everyone Recommended Reading for Children – Books on Manners<\/strong><\/p>\n Emily\u2019s Everyday Manners by Cindy Post Senning and Peggy Post illustrated by Steve Bjorkman<\/p>\n 365 Manners Kids Should Know Games Activities and Other Fun Ways to Help Children Learn Etiquette by Sheryl Eberly<\/p>\n Mind Your Manners by B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra illustrated by J. Otto Siebold<\/p>\n Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein<\/p>\n Manners Can Be Fun by Munro Leaf<\/p>\n Excuse Me: A Little Book of Manners (Lift the Flap Book) by Karen Katz<\/p>\n Richard Scarry\u2019s Please and Thank You Book by Richard Scarry<\/p>\n My Mouth is a Volcano! by Julia Cook<\/p>\n What if Everybody Did That? By Ellen Javernick<\/p>\n I Can\u2019t Believe You Said That! : My Story about Using My Social Filter\u2026 or Not (Best Me I Can Be!) by Julia Cook illustrated by Kelsey De Weerd<\/p>\n Dude That\u2019s Rude: (Get Some Manners) (Laugh and Learn) by Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Behave Like You Live in a Cave (Laugh and Learn) by Elizabeth Verdick<\/p>\n Manners – Parental Reminder to the Child<\/strong><\/p>\n Remember your mood should not dictate your manners. This means that you are always responsible for how you act no matter how you feel. Manners are not optional but essential.<\/p>\n Quotes about Manners<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cA man\u2019s manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait.\u201d Goethe Recommended Reading for the Parent<\/strong><\/p>\n Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs by Ellen Galinsky<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A few days ago I listened as a group of frantic parents discussed the advantages of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) educational program. Prior to STEAM, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program was viewed as the pathway to success for children. The parents were discussing the inclusion of the fifth […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":557,"featured_media":39127,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4,147],"tags":[4898],"yoast_head":"\n
\n\u2981 Say please and thank you
\n\u2981 Always be on time
\n\u2981 Smile when greeting others
\n\u2981 Greet people with a hello or how are you
\n\u2981 Shake hands and look people in the eyes when speaking
\n\u2981 Knock, announce yourself and ask permission before entering a room
\n\u2981 Do not interrupt when others are speaking
\n\u2981 Sit properly-practice poise
\n\u2981 Say excuse me when you need someone\u2019s attention
\n\u2981 Say excuse me and sorry when bumping into someone
\n\u2981 Put down electronics when others enter the room
\n\u2981 Open doors for others
\n\u2981 Practice proper table manners
\n\u2981 Never use foul language
\n\u2981 Do not call people names or embarrass others
\n\u2981 Apologize when wrong
\n\u2981 Clean up messes
\n\u2981 Always ask for permission before using or removing items
\n\u2981 Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, don\u2019t pick your nose
\n\u2981 Compliment others and use kind words
\n\u2981 Be respectful of others
\n\u2981 Speak quietly \u2013 use inside voice
\n\u2981 Take turns, participate equally
\n\u2981 Carry oneself neatly<\/p>\n
\n\u201cLife is short but there is always room for courtesy.\u201d Ralph Waldo Emerson
\n\u201cGood manners will open doors that the best education cannot.\u201d Clarence Thomas
\n\u201cManners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners no matter what fork you use.\u201d Emily Post
\n\u201cPoliteness is a sign of dignity not subservience.\u201d Theodore Roosevelt<\/p>\n