Gratitude

Are we teaching our children to be grateful for what they have and get? Are we practicing these kinds of manners ourselves? When was the last time you acknowledged the checker at your local supermarket? Do you know their names and ask about their families?

Growing up, it was always interesting going to the store with my mother because she always seemed to know everyone. She talked with everyone, and we left feeling as if we were on a social visit. It turns out that my mother has an ‘old fashioned’ skill and that is very good manners.

Have you seen some Christmas lists from kids today? They are asking for very expensive stuff. I grew up very well off but we certainly did not hand Christmas lists to our parents unless you had salt and pepper with you (you would be eating it)!

My point is this; good manners, especially showing gratitude can help change the tone of education. Yes, I believe it is that simple, however; how many of us are willing to truly practice this? It has to be a team effort, between the home, community, and the school; we have to hold each other accountable for not only our children’s behavior but also our own behavior.

This is worth a shot and it costs us nothing. Our children are watching; are we willing?

Dr Flavius A B Akerele III

The ETeam