Originally posted by Grampy Bobby Thread 160069 (July 8, 2014)
Manners for Boys: "Gentlemen" - An Endangered Species?
"10 Simple Steps to Raising a New Generation of Gentlemen!"
"One of the nicest compliments a parent can receive is, "Your son is such a gentleman!" It seems, however, that in our modern culture of media, athletics, politics, schools, and at the local grocery store, there seems to be fewer and fewer "Gentlemen" to be found.
But there is hope for this latest addition to the "endangered species" list. Despite the tiny vocal minority of angry women who yelled at men who tried to act like gentlemen during the 70's and these past few decades, there has been a renewed realization that in order for civility to survive and thrive in our nation, we must be intentional about being courteous and kind.
Simple courtesies may seem trivial and old-fashioned, but they are foundational in a civil society. Courtesies don't cost a penny, but they are priceless ways of showing respect and making others feel special and valued in what has become a selfish and self-centered culture. It has been said that "manners are the oil that lubricate society" - everything just works smoother!
All males are men, but not all men are gentlemen. Even though men and women are created equal, we are obviously different - with different roles and responsibilities, and by acting like a gentleman, boys, teens and men can show honour and respect to women.
As parents, we need to both model and teach our boys how to be a gentleman. It won't happen accidentally - we need to be intentional in teaching these foundational principles of character.
Character training starts at home. Our homes need to be our nation's "boot camp for character," as we prepare our children for life. Manners are both "caught" and "taught" as children observe mom and dad showing courtesy and expressing thankfulness to each other.
As mothers, we need to slow down and allow our husband to pull out your chair for us at dinner and wait a few extra seconds for him to walk around the car and get the door. Our sons are watching. It is often said that "the way a boy treats his mother is the way that he'll treat his wife." Let's prepare our boys to be men. Real men.
Here are 10 practical reminders to help us raise "gentlemen" in our families through their respectful attitudes, words and actions!
1. Gentlemen have respectful attitudes which lead to respectful actions and words. They greet people with a smile, nod or "hello" as they pass people. Their attitude is one of putting others first - based on The Golden Rule... to treat others the way they would like to be treated.
2. Gentlemen use respectful words: "Please" "Thank You" "You're Welcome" and "Excuse Me." Instead of "What?" and "Huh?" they say "Pardon me?" They say "Yes Ma'am" and "No Sir" respectfully. They never use cursing or cussing words. Gentlemen also have the courage to use difficult words like, "I'm Sorry" "I made a mistake" and "Will You Forgive Me?"
http://www.googolpower.com/content/articles/manners-for-boys-gentlemen-an-endangered-species
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Comment: Here's a thread I came across which seems worth keeping alive as well as appropriate to this forum today. The remaining eight "Simple Steps to Raising a New Generation of Gentlemen!" will be listed with the forlorn hope that they'll be welcomed by the gentlemen in our midst....
Miscellaneous
27 Aug '15 03:581 edit
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