|
Children sent to classes to learn manners
|
View this Thread in Original format
| EvilTree |
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4595243.stm
Lessons in good manners
By Rachel Humphreys
BBC News, Los Angeles
The after-school activities are under way at a typical elementary school on the outskirts of San Diego.
But for the first-graders of Heritage Elementary, today's lesson doesn't concern the vagaries of the baseball field or how to navigate the latest computer game, but how to eat soup correctly.
Teaching children to eat properly
Children are learning table manners
Old-fashioned charm schools may be the thing of a by-gone era but here in California, the latest trend for pre-teens is etiquette classes.
"Now, let me see you scoop," instructs tutor Maggie O'Farrill.
"Elbows in, you're doing great."
Words of encouragement to the 20 children who sit with formal place-settings laid out before them.
Ms O'Farrill, an etiquette consultant who specialises in teaching children aged six to 12, says the demand for the classes is on the increase.
Parents are rushing to sign their children up to learn such skills as basic table manners, how to make a good first impression, and the dos and don'ts of eating at a restaurant.
She believes the demand is a result of a fast-paced lifestyle with busy parents wanting well-behaved children, but not having the time to teach them the intricacies of good manners and etiquette at home.
"I just don't have time to teach him everything," says working mother Glory Capati.
"I rely on the teachers to help me mould my son and make him a better person."
Good behaviour
Principal Tim Suanico believes it is a sad reflection of our modern lives that it's now necessary to teach etiquette in school.
"Over generations, it's been less and less addressed within the American culture, and because of that it has got lost and hasn't been made a priority."
If I get invited to the White House, I won't spill anything on the president
Danny, aged nine
But he does see a glimmer of hope in this renewed interest in teaching children good manners.
"If it gets revived and brought to the conscious level of the younger parents, then we'll have children growing up who value manners. Maybe we'll see a change in direction for the better in our society."
Teacher Patricia Cano, who has seen first-hand the benefits of the etiquette classes in her first-graders, says: "One of the main things they learn is respect.
"They respect their personal space in the classroom and they just try to treat everyone nicely.
"I heard one of my students say 'Say it with a smile', and I just thought that was so beautiful."
The children are convinced about the significance of their newly acquired skills.
As Jericho, aged seven, is quick to point out: "It's important - so you can be responsible."
"It makes me feel special," adds Eddy, aged six.
But for Danny, aged nine, one thing is certain: "If I get invited to the White House, I won't spill anything on the president."
***
A sad reflection of our society when parents can't and/or won't parent their kids anymore. |
|
|
| AwakenedAddict |
+
+
=
some damn good manners! |
|
|
| Jayx1 |
| Part of the problem is that you cant spank your kids anymore. Fear of the strap always made me shut my mouth even though it was rarely used on me. |
|
|
| Stingray |
| Yeah, 'the dreaded wooden spoon' kept most people I know in line :tongue2 |
|
|
| zoogla |
| Wooden spoons don't fly as well as shoes...especially the high-heel ones :nervous: |
|
|
| angelgirl |
| quote: | Originally posted by EvilTree
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4595243.stm
Teaching children to eat properly
Children are learning table manners
Old-fashioned charm schools may be the thing of a by-gone era but here in California, the latest trend for pre-teens is etiquette classes.
[b]"I just don't have time to teach him everything," says working mother Glory Capati. |
So parents are not eating dinner with their children anymore either? If they were, how difficult is it to teach your child while you are sitting together "you don't eat properly at the table, you simply don't eat". I went to bed many times without food because I misbehaved at the table. Didn't take long to teach me to sit properly and respect others while eating. |
|
|
| HouseJunkie |
Just another case of busy parents having little or no time for their children. My parents taught me everything and made me become the man I am today. Without them. I'd have no morals, or any idea how to act or treat people.
To me, having a teacher "teach" my child the proper way to behave would degrade my ability and right as a parent to do so. I wouldn't want someone else teaching my child the basis of character. |
|
|
| Jayx1 |
Id rather have a few less material things than to not enjoy my life whether that be enjoying some relaxing time with a few friends or raising a child.
People have their priorities all wrong. |
|
|
| house_conXion |
| It just seems that in society today, parents are more and more pre-occupied with their careers/personal life that they don't actually take the time to raise their kids properly. And in many cases the parents need a lesson themselves on how to raise their kids. I see kids mouthing off, misbehaving in front of their parents and they do nothing. Man, if I ever told my mom to off or even talk back to her, I'd have my tongue removed forcefully. I'm not for hitting kids but once in awhile you need to show them who's boss otherwise they'll run amuck. |
|
|
|
|
