Another honor

On Friday I had the opportunity to be honored as a member of our business community by a very lofty source--the third grade class at the elementary school. This was part of a project to teach the kids about the different businesses in town, but part of the lesson was much more subtle. As part of the invitation and hosting process, the students learned how to show their classroom guests proper manners and etiquette. One shook my hand and introduced herself as I entered the classroom. Another showed me to my seat. Others offered to get me a snack of a cookie and juice. We hear so often of the decline of civility in our society that is was amazingly refreshing to see nine year olds learning what should be common courtesy.



The flip side to this is why do the kids need to learn this in their third grade class when then should be preparing for the future economy learning math and science? As the physician for many of these kids as well as their parents I know where the problem lies. Not to blame the parents, but it's the parents fault. Parenting skills seem to be in decline as much as good manners. The young adults of my town all too often don't understand or don't have the skills/resources available to teach the lessons they are supposed to impart to their children. All too often it seems a single parent home, usually the mother, who is often overwhelmed by life and teaching social skills never makes it onto the agenda.



Well I guess if are kids aren't able to compete in a global economy at least they'll be able to say "please" and "thank you".