Children need to learn some manners’

JEDDAH: Many children are showing an increasing disrespect for their elders, say parents and experts.
Ayesha Shehri, a mother and a teacher, said she recently saw a child punch his father in the face because he refused to buy him a toy. “Children were earlier taught to respect their elders. Times have definitely changed. The discipline, good old habits of manners and politeness are disappearing quickly,” she said.
She said some parents are also to blame for the way their children behave because they give in too easily to their demands. This has resulted in a new type of parenting for the new generation, she said.
Saeed Hamza, a professor, said he has seen many children misbehave at social gatherings. He said he once heard children speaking to each other and to their parents in a rude manner.
“They used phrases such as ‘I don’t care,’ ‘Whatever’ and ‘Get lost.’ This has become too common among this generation. When we were young we never dared to raise our voices or use such terms in front of our elders.”
He said parents must not ignore this behavior but instead censure their children. They must also teach them how to behave properly. Parents have the most important role to play in the upbringing of their children, he said.
Deena F., an etiquette consultant, said that the only way for parents to change the behavior of their children is to lead by example. “Children love a positive atmosphere and it will inspire them to behave properly.” Most importantly, parents must no longer hand over parenting to their housekeepers, she said. AFSHAN AZIZ arab news