Respect and your Child

A friend sent me an excerpt from Patrick Teoh's blog which spoke about how kids of the 50's,60's and 70's did all the wrong things which would have parents today shaking their heads. Those kids, albeit older today, are still fine.

This brought to my mind something about how children learn. Often, I meet friends show me their kids, sometimes their grandkids and what struck me most is that these kids do not say hello or call "uncle" as we were taught to. They would often act bored or just refuse to sall even when coaxed.

It is not that I want to feel good to be called "uncle" as it matters nothing to me. What I feel sad for them is that their elders did not provide them with a good foundation. They are left to learn the finer points and qualities on their own when they go out into the world. These qualities are the foundation for loving , caring, respect and humility.
Kids learn from their elders. If the parents do not stand up and greet visitors, then it is uniklely that the child will do so later in life. The child will not see that to take time to greet a visitor (or a family member returning home), even though one is busy, for example eating, is an act of courtesy and respect. Who would blame the child, if in later life, he would not as much as glance at the father when he comes home from work?

Another observation. If you want to know how your host rates you, just check how he sends you off. Does he/she let you leave on your own or are you sent to the door? If you are asking for a loan, you will notice that the front door is closed right after you are outside and before you have a chance to put on your shoes. However if you love her, you will walk her all the way to her car and wave as she drives off.