Are basic manners (such as “Please” and “Thank You”) old-fashioned and a thing of the past? Why is it that adults have a hard time expressing appreciation for things they have been given?
Zig Ziglar (known as “America’s Motivator”) has some interesting thoughts:
Of all the things a parent can teach a child, manners rates very close to the top of the must teach list. Number one, when a child is taught, from the time he or she can talk, to say “thank you,” you are teaching that child thankfulness. Number two, the insertion of the word “please” in a request changes the child from a demanding person to the one who accepts the fact that when they ask a favor make a request, the parent has no automatic obligation to respond favorably to that request. Response to “please” is much better that the “get this for me” demand type of reproach. The child must be taught the idea that they must first serve before they earn the right to demand.
Being kind, courteous, respectful and considerate of all with whom we come in contact. And may we always count our blessing—being grateful to the heaving Father for His love and mercy.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. —Eph. 4:32
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. —1 Thess. 5:18
