eNEWSLETTER
October 2004
Our Mission Statement:
"Providing a range of innovative professional services, empowering our clients to positively address issues affecting their lives."
Welcome to Clayfield Counselling Services October eNewsletter!
What ever happened to good manners?
Are they just outdated and fussy idiosyncrasies of the past or are they still relevant in society today? It seemed as though good manners had gone out of fashion a little while ago, but just like the dress styles of the 50’s that Audrey Hepburn made so popular, good manners are making a comeback.
Why is courtesy so important?
Courtesy is about respecting other people. It’s about kindness. It costs us nothing to be courteous and it affects our lives and other people’s lives in such a positive way!
“Even very young children can be taught the building blocks of manners — saying “please” and “thank you.” When children learn to say “I’m sorry” for something they’ve done wrong, they learn to be accountable for their actions and behaviours.”
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/cyf/ttcourte.html
Relying on schools to teach children how to behave in society is often too little too late. Children should have a sound understanding of the importance of politeness and respect for other people long before they attend school. Schools however, should reinforce this behaviour and it seems that many are failing to do this. So whether right or wrong, the responsibility ultimately falls to the parents.
What’s the best way to teach kids about manners?
Show them! Be courteous to your partner, your parents, your in-laws and your kids. Say “good morning” to your neighbours and the people you meet in the street, in the shopping centre and anywhere else you choose to go. If someone holds the door for you, whether it’s a man or woman, say “thank you”. Not only will you teach your children about manners, you’ll find you get better service when you go shopping, you’ll smile more and you’ll surround yourself with people who are smiling at you. Your relationship with your partner will improve as well as your relationship with your in-laws. By treating people with respect, you’ll change the world around you for the better. However, being respectful doesn’t mean becoming a doormat. You can still be polite and say “no”.
When in doubt, remember the golden rule
You’ll soon find that it’s not just kids that learn by example, but the people you deal with every day might suddenly start discovering a few good manners of their own. Smiles are contagious!
Some interesting sites
Office hours are from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. After hours and Saturday appointments are available on request.
Until next time then...
"Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of the pleasures; costs nothing and conveys much. It pleases him who gives and him who receives, and thus, like mercy, it is twice blessed." - Erastus Wiman
The editorial team at Clayfield Counselling Services