When everyone in the world shows courtesy all the time there will be no more dissention and wars. And to start out toward that goal let's teach kids how to be courteous from their earliest years. Kids of most abilities can learn the social skill of courtesy to a certain degree.

As kids learn from the example of those around them it is up to each of us to show courtesy to each other and to the kids, also. Even little kids should be shown courtesy, because they are humans and deserve it, and because what they learn now will become an automatic action when they are adults.

And doesn't it feel good to be shown courtesy? Kids feel that way when shown courtesy, and in turn they will be learn to naturally be courteous with their siblings and schoolmates.

How do we teach courtesy? Not with our words, so much, though a story with the main lesson as courtesy acted out in the story is one way to teach this quality. I remember the stories in my "Little Golden Books" very well, (in fact, by memorizing those stories I learned to read.) So, please do read stories to kids that have morals - they will probably remember them and the lessons they impart as adults!

The most effective way to teach courtesy is through your example. When you and the kids are at the market they are watching how you act with others, and to please you they will model you. So, if you are tempted to push ahead of someone, then that is the lesson the kids are learning. And, do we really want kids to learn bad traits from us? Well, the only cure for that is to live the way we want the kids to grow up and act.

Can a parent really say - but I told him not to drink and smoke if they do the same themselves, for whatever excuse they have? No. Each of us is responsible for implementing in our own lives the degree of courtesy and other virtues we want our kids to show.

In summary, go back to the goal of the world living in peace and harmony from showing courtesy to each other. If you can see the benefits of being courteous, show it in your daily interactions for the benefit of the kids and everyone else, too!

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Yoga for all Kids - With illustrations and descriptions, how to teach 4 styles of meditation and 15 gentle moving yoga poses that can be used as a basic motor skills lesson plan, plus 12 how to live chapters and a dictionary of 40 definitions of happiness in 83 pages. For kids of all ages and abilities - for teens and adults, too! Available as an Ebook or Print Book


Article by Susan Kramer