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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I absolutely teach politeness to my kids, ages 7 and 9, and have since they were much younger. I insist they make eye contact with adults when speaking to them, and when someone asks how they are, to respond by asking how the other person is as well. My older kid has gotten especially adept at this, and has realized that it results in a lot of positive attention when he shows an interest; he now does it naturally with us, other family members, and friends' parents and so on. He'll ask how your day was; remember if we've done something and ask about it (how was book club? how did you sleep? etc.). His 7 year old sister is not great at it yet, but she's getting there.

But the distinction for me is that I have taken the time to talk with them about what it means to be considerate of others, rather than forcing them into robotic responses. At restaurants, I remind them not to drop food or napkins or leave a mess because being a server is hard work. I've explained how showing an interest in others makes them feel good and that they'll get positive attention for it, which they've quickly come to like.

For me, having kind, considerate and thoughtful kids who are aware of other people is among my highest priorities--if not the highest. Sure, I want them to do well in school and find things they love doing, but the fact that m 3rd grader's report card called out how kind and helpful he is in class made me much prouder than hearing what his reading or math scores were. [/quote]

Op here - I love this. My kids are 2 and 5. I don't think I have had the conversations you have had behind why we do what We do so I am going to incorporate that. To date at least with the 5 year old I don't have to tell him to say thank you anymore but when he misses it I do cue him by saying what do you say. The looking people in the eye and saying hello we work on daily and he's pretty good about it. I do model it constantly though and occasionally do have to remind him to say hello to folks before we enter a room or leave the car for our destination.

We haven't gotten beyond thank you with the little guy. He's a work in progress. Kudos to you for what you've achieved so far with your kids. You should be very proud. [/quote]

Well I have a three year old who I don't have to remind to say thank you. Do I win? Do I prove you wrong?

This is ridiculous, the concept of a post ridiculing other parents for not teaching politeness is irony/hypocrisy at its finest![/quote]

Hmm sorry you read it that way (or took it that way). There's no win vs. Losing so not quite sure what you are getting at. Maybe it would be helpful to reread my post? In any event it is something I see and struggle with myself and I find it hard work that seems constant and never ending. [/quote]

Your post title is inflammatory and accusatory. This 'is our generation doomed because we're terrible parents' vibe is insulting. And I say this as the PP who clearly does value politeness as my kids get it drilled from toddlerhood.

[quote]Maybe I need to read more of these books on this new parenting philosophy but what I see when out and about doesn't instill confidence that that approach is the right one. My parents drilled things into us, please, thank you, excuse me until it became second nature.[/quote]

/\ that quote is passive aggressive and rude. Its also generalizing. I know many polite kind respectful children. And if I see a kid throwing a tantrum or having a hard time I'm more likely to give the mom a compassionate smile that says, 'haven't we all been there?' then to assume she neglects teaching her children manners.

Kindness is politeness' sister and is just as important to teach our children and to model ourselves in front of them.[/quote]

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