Do you ever feel like some of the values you grew up with are slipping away? Society has a short memory, but I recall a day when the way you acted in public was determined by...
Respect!
I grew up addressing adults as Mr, Mrs, Ms, etc. It planted a proper understanding in me about the wisdom of those who'd lived much longer than myself. To this day I value the words of those who've spent decades longer than me in this life, and it cuts me to the core when others deride or look down on their elders.
I work with and teach a large group of kids from ages 18 months to 12 years old, and all of them come from very good, very caring homes. Still, I'm bewildered by their attitude toward adults. The formality and concept of honoring your elders doesn't seem to be part of their psyche. Brr? What does that say for these kids? Apparently they haven't been taught a very important principle.
And on a deeper level, if they don't respect others, can we hope they'll respect themselves? --To stay away from peer pressure, to trust in their own values, to establish who they are instead of folding to the winds of society? And how can we expect them, or ourselves to find happiness if the world buckles to whatever the media says we should be or think?
You knew this one was coming. ;)
Respect!
I grew up addressing adults as Mr, Mrs, Ms, etc. It planted a proper understanding in me about the wisdom of those who'd lived much longer than myself. To this day I value the words of those who've spent decades longer than me in this life, and it cuts me to the core when others deride or look down on their elders.
I work with and teach a large group of kids from ages 18 months to 12 years old, and all of them come from very good, very caring homes. Still, I'm bewildered by their attitude toward adults. The formality and concept of honoring your elders doesn't seem to be part of their psyche. Brr? What does that say for these kids? Apparently they haven't been taught a very important principle.
And on a deeper level, if they don't respect others, can we hope they'll respect themselves? --To stay away from peer pressure, to trust in their own values, to establish who they are instead of folding to the winds of society? And how can we expect them, or ourselves to find happiness if the world buckles to whatever the media says we should be or think?
You knew this one was coming. ;)
Okay, rant over. Who's up for some cheese?
My friend's daughter is now 18yr but the way she speaks to her mum is awful.I gave her a birthday gift and she could hardly say thanks.Surely at that age your passed the teenage angst. Respect yes the best you can teach a child.
ReplyDeleteAnne/
Is Anyone There
Agreed. =)
DeleteI want chesse and thanks for the recpect post!
ReplyDeleteSending cheese your way...
DeleteI am raising my grandson. I will say that I am a senior citizen so my values are now considered old-fashioned and out of date. However, he is being taught what I learned and is very different in many ways from his friends who are being raised by younger parents. Great post, thought provoking and yes, cheese would be nice.
ReplyDeleteHey, my values are considered old fashioned, and I started into motherhood young. Your grandson is going to be the guy all the girls faun over--because of his manners. =)
Deletegreat point. Give and gain respect :)
ReplyDeleteOr give and gain cheese? That one works too, right? Anyone want to trade?
DeleteI used to work with some amazing kids, but the concept of respect was sadly lacking in many of them. Hopefully they'll grow into it.
ReplyDeleteRespect to the cheese! :-)
Cheese to the respect! =0 ;)
DeleteSo true. And yes, I would love some dill havarti on flat bread crackers. Hmm... think I'll go get some now!
ReplyDeletetm
I just had swiss on rye. Why not, eh? Cheese is always a good idea. =)
DeleteI agree.... respect is important. I still get caught calling people older than me sir and maam and it really cracks some people up, but it is a reflex of respect and you don't shut it off just cause you become a grownup too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my A to Z earlier!
Did you know the term is "Boss" if you're in NYC? When my hubby started using that one I wondered if he'd suddenly been brainwashed. The point is, the terms used may be different depending on where you're from, but the principle is the same. =)
DeleteYou Inspire me through your writings. So I nominated you for the "Very Inspiring Blogger Award". :)
ReplyDelete-Check my blog for rules and details if you wish to accept it.
Aw! Thanks! I'm a little slow when it comes to passing it on, but I will. Soon. Ish. *shifty eyes*
DeleteYes, kids are not taught respect of adults or many other simple common courtesies these days. It is a shame to see how lacking in manners many kids are today
ReplyDeleteI have pondered on this tonz, and I have begun to wonder if every generation feels that way to a degree.
DeleteThere's a new store in my neighborhood . . . it's fabulous. here's the part i think you'll enjoy. I get my cart, wheel past produce and there's a inviting lady who always has a different cheese on display and offers a story about the cheese while giving away generous slices. I've discovered a couple new favorites through her.
ReplyDeleteI teach at a supplemental school and i wish i could trade kids with you for a week - BECAUSE - you'd LOVE what i get to see. My students (toddler through 12) are respectful, helpful, sharing and inviting to everyone . . EVERYONE - they don't display any "age-ism" - or sexism - they give me hope for the future every time i see them.
It's a new century - slowly, but surely - the future is unfolding - and it's GOOD.
First of all, where do you live, and secondly, how soon can I move? =)
DeleteOur group of kids are exceptional, and I think half the way they act is determined by the expectations we set, but we have kids from all dynamics of life. They're all learning, and that's the point, right?
I am gravely saddened by the lack of manners I see anymore. Not just respect, but normal, common manners. I have struggled with how to teach my children to respect their elders. It helps that my kids still get timid around adults. :) Maybe if I reward them with cheese...
ReplyDeleteThere you go!
DeleteWe can only teach and hope our children will be a powerful influence on their peers, eh?
Great Song! Just dropping by from the AtoZ Challenge, I have set up a link to your blog from my post today
ReplyDeletehttp://wp.me/p2Eu3u-hN
Hey thanks, Rosie! I truly appreciate it. In fact, here's a virtual block of cheddar. ;)
DeleteI'm 33 now, and I still predominantly call or refer to my elders by Mr., Ms., or Mrs. (or other titles like Dr., Rabbi, Minister, Professor, etc.). I seem to be in a minority of students who calls our professors Dr. or Professor instead of by their first names. Generally, I only call someone more than 10 or so years my elder by a first name if we've always had a friendship relationship, as opposed to, say, being in a teacher-student or adult-child relationship.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you. =)
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