Courtesy

Press, 23 February 1989, Page 12

Courtesy

Sir, —I enjoyed Sue Hampton’s article (February 15) immensely. Imagine my amazement when this light-hearted piece was attacked by Catherine Glue (February 20). I work in a bank and see many 1 pre-schoolera. The majority are polite and lovely to see. Some are not. I know older children who are rude and unpleasant. At what age will they grow out of this? To change one’s habits is not a natural thing that comes with maturity. Habits and personalities are formed by the age of three. It is never too early to start teaching the basics of courtesy. My own daughter, at the immature age of 20 months, has “please” and “thank you" at the top of her 200-plus vocabulary. She says these happily and not “to make adults take notice.” Adults take much more notice of rudeness. Why not let our children be a delight to have around? — Yours, etc.,

ANDREA WARD. February 21, 1989.

Sir,—Catherine Glue’s reasoning comes apart in her own logic (February 20). Any growing process is a learning process. People thrive and develop with successes, not failures. Catherine Glue ignores basic objective parameters that any offspring require; what is acceptable, what is safe, what to eat, drink, what will burn, cut, hurt; what is dangerous. What parent could ignore the responsibility for the guidance and example that is their child’s birthright? A baby reaches out at birth for a commitment, not indifference. No, it is not forcing children to imitate adults. Raising children is a labour, a labour of love. Good on Sue Hampton. We need more of you. — Yours, etc., MIKE SYMES. February 20, 1989.