It was brought to my attention recently that my children are not very polite when others greet them. They respond only when they are in a friendly mood. Otherwise, they either do not say anything at all or look the other way. When that happens, I normally tell them to say “hi” or shake hands, which they do obediently. I find that I need to prompt my children most of time, which I don’t believe is acceptable. In light of this, for the past two days, Evers and I have been talking with the children about being polite and instructing them on how to be respond when someone greets them. We also had several practice sessions with Mommy and Daddy.

My oldest is the sociable one and the lesson on being polite was absorbed quite easily. My next child is more shy and does not respond as readily. Whether my child is outgoing or shy, I believe he should be polite regardless of his personality. When spoken to, my children should look at the person in the eye, stand still, and then respond. When someone extends his/her arm for a handshake, the child needs to reciprocate and give a good firm handshake, not a sloppy, noodle-like hand. We had a practice session this morning addressing this specifically.

I once knew a little girl who was very shy and moody. Whenever I greeted her or tried to play with her, she pouted and turned away. Frankly, I thought her behavior was rather rude. I don’t believe she ever said hello to me even though we saw her family every week for two years. Thinking upon her behavior, if she was my child, would I have her treat others as she had treated me? Given that she is shy, should I let her be “who she is” and just give her a break because she is “only a child?” After much thinking, I believe parents have a responsibility to instruct their children to be courteous, and to teach them that being rude is not acceptable. The child may feel uncomfortable, but I don’t think responding with a “hello” when greeted is too much to ask. Once a child learns that it is necessary to be polite, he/she will feel more comfortable being polite.

“[Love] is not rude…”

- 1 Corinthians 13:5