Is it crude to be rude? Yes, you say. Unfortunately, Americans are increasingly seeking to get their way with rude behavior, this according to a recent Wall Street Journal article.

You may not have much control over the lame, inappropriate words and actions of adults you encounter at the Mall, in the bank, or walking the aisles of your local supermarket. But what about the youngsters in your little hemisphere of influence? Can you take a stand to become a teacher and practitioner of civility for the young ones?

That was the topic Dennis Prager, noted ethicist and syndicated radio talk show host, took up on the air with his listeners. He made a significant comment about the positive influence we have over the children who aren t our own. You read that right. We can be a powerful role model for the kids who come into our home. In the Prager household simple courtesy is not so much a rule, but a way of living. And so, as Dennis says, the kids who enter their home know it is the please and thank-you house. Right on!

If children can learn rudeness by watching adults, isn t it equally obvious that respectful interaction is also learned? We wouldn t think of throwing a child into a pool and yelling, “Now, swim!” We teach them how to swim. Likewise, we can t assume every kid knows the basics of common courtesy. So, the next time your child or their friend is flailing with discourtesy, lend them your friendly lifeline of a respectful redirect. You ll be building a more humane American society.

“We are all manufacturers,” as an anonymous author wrote. “Some make good, others make trouble, and still others make excuses.” You don t need to be another bad-taste, rude American.

You can be a no-excuse parent who chooses to reclaim the high ground of common courtesy. Stake out the territory of your own home, claim it as a sanctuary of civility, and welcome the opportunity to teach your kids and their friends how to swim in the currents of courageous respect for others.

– Russ Williams