by Ruth Liew
WHEN I asked my friends what they regarded as rude remarks from their children, I received mixed responses. They disagreed on what is considered rude. Perhaps it should be established from the start that it is considered rude when children intentionally use words to hurt other people’s feelings.
If an elderly person remarks that today’s children are rude and ill-mannered, he or she is probably right. Experts such as Michelle Borba, author of Don’t Give Me That Attitude, said that eye-rolling and general sassy behaviour is occurring more often among younger children. Teenagers are no longer the only ones who do back talking and display bad attitude.
How did our children learn to be rude and frivolous in their behaviour? Just take a look around you. There is less politeness around these days. People don’t exactly go around saying, “Please” and “Thank you” anymore. When you walk down the street and someone accidentally bumps into you, there will be no word of apology forthcoming.
We need to get our children on the right track by responding appropriately and learning to use kinder words when we are upset or angry. Parents are children’s role-models when it comes to showing the right behaviour and using acceptable language in our everyday communication.
Years ago, I remember teaching a four-year-old whose verbal communication was laden with profanity. When I approached his mother to discuss his colourful language, she laughed it off by saying: “Oh, my little Andrew is just like his dad!”
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