Courtesy
Sir, — I am perpetually astonished by those (Sue Hampton, February 15) who see merit in a bleated “please” from a child too young to comprehend what is implied by the word. Our society has little respect for children’s immature minds, yet expects them to respect our adult codes of behaviour. Children take time to learn the existence of other people’s needs: being selfcentred is as normal for an infant as being small. Properly nurtured, a child will grow out of both. Children need space to be children; forcing them to imitate adult behaviour to make adults take notice of them adds an unnecessary stress to the natural stresses of growing. Gradually, with time, children’s own developing psycholqgical capabilities make possible increasing concern and respect for other people’s feelings and customs. The ability to use courteous language — from a basis of genuine caring and repect — is a natural development of maturity. We should not expect it of the immature. — Yours, etc., CATHERINE GLUE. February 15, 1989.
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Press, 20 February 1989, Page 12
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166Courtesy Press, 20 February 1989, Page 12
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