Etiquette: Mr. and Mrs. So and So

Dear Reader,

To-day we will take a brief tangent from our usual course and discuss a matter regarding children. It has come to my attention of late that children are being allowed to call adults by their first names and are not using their proper titles. My dear, this is most appalling as it shows a lack of respect for adults and does not keep children in their proper, subordinate place in society. This is, however, an easy matter to correct. If you are a parent, quite a calling indeed, it is your responsibility to correct your children when they err in this way. Easier even, when introducing your child to elders, simply introduce them properly as "Mr. Smith" or "Mrs. Doe" and he will quickly learn how adults are to be addressed. If, my dear, you have been lax in this area, it is not too late, so take heart, and begin with your revised parenting program at once! Explain to your children how adults are to be properly addressed and then enforce the policy. If other neighbor children address you improperly, it is also your responsibility to correct them. Simply state something like, "Johnny, you may call me Mrs. Smith". Johnny's parents may not know better, so it is your duty to ensure proper decorum whilst he is in your home. And let that be the end of it, unless of course, the child errs again. Be consistent and you will reap the rewards for your efforts.

When your children learn respect for others, they will surely respect themselves and will do well in life. Dealing with others properly is an art to be learned--from early on. Give your child the confidence he needs to behave properly. He is a reflection of your and your husband's parenting abilities--I am sure you want your family to be represented well in your community. You do want to receive that invitation to join the women's club this year, don't you?

Until next time...

HF