As you grow up and have your own children, you may begin thinking back to the golden rules your mum taught you. At that time, you may not have taken much notice but now you find yourself repeating those very special words to your own sons and daughters.
Let’s take a look at some of them and how they might relate to the world of today and our children as they grow up
Don’t overstay your welcome
Do you recall having a best friend that you wanted to be with every minute of every day? If this was the case, my mum would quickly step in, reminding me that you can have too much of a good thing. In time, she would say, you would likely be bored of each other or at least your friend’s parents would not want you as an additional member of the family! Nowadays, children’s relationships are far more relaxed and this may not be relevant, but it just shows how rules of etiquette have changed.
Never gossip
This is always a good rule to bear in mind as gossiping at any time is an unkind and unpleasant habit. For those that find gossip distasteful, never indulge in it yourself and make sure that your children do the same.
If you can’t say something pleasant, don’t say anything
Another gem as far as good manners go, this teaches us to think twice before we speak. When asked for our opinion, rather than lie or say something unpleasant, better to defer and not say anything. This is as valid today as it was fifty years ago.
Treat others the way you wish to be treated
Whilst this may not always be easy, it is always a good idea to take a step back at times and get a bird’s eye view of our own behaviour. Look at the way you are acting today or during a recent communication and analyse the way you behaved. What did the other person do and how did you react to them? Did you in fact treat them as you would wish to be treated? No? Then you need to amend your actions in the future.
Don’t stay cooped up in the house
Before we really knew that playing outside was good for children, both physically and emotionally, mum would shoo us out of the house, particularly when she was busy cleaning or washing (which could take up most of the day). ‘Stop getting under my feet!” mum would say and out we would go, no matter the weather. The garden shed became our second home and exploring the countryside was so much fun. With so many children today being drawn to computer games and keyboards, getting outside is a must-do activity.
Always look your best
As a grumpy teenager, preferring to wear ripped jeans, I never understood why mum was always immaculately made up and dressed neatly, no matter the occasion. Going to the shops meat the donning of a pretty headscarf and tailored coat, with a shopping basket on the arm. No plastic bags, trainers or casual jackets here. Whilst fashions have changed a great deal, there is still something to be said for always looking as good as you should.
It’s fascinating to look back and recall just a few of those golden rules dished out by mums all over the world. In passing them down to our children, we are not only imbibing them with the values we learned but at the same time, will make their life journey far more impressive.
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