This evening after Nathan's t-ball game we opted to head out to Cold Stone for a nice summery treat. As we made our way through the busy order counter and headed outside to sit for a while, David noticed a few teens enjoying their desserts as well while sitting on the floor just outside the shop's doors.
After a few minutes, they got up and left. In their place, however, were lovely remnants of their frozen treats - empty cups, spoons, and napkins. I could hardly believe my eyes when D pointed it out to me. I watched them walk all the way to their cars - a Lexus & a BMW, and was appalled. I just remember thinking to myself how disappointed and embarrassed I would be if those were my kids.
In our house, we try hard to instill a sense of responsiblity and courtesy in our boys so that when they're out in the real world their behaviors are appropriate. Clearly, the parents of these three teens either missed the mark or the teen just simply do not care about the environment around them. And that's a shame.
D and I took the opportunity to point out to Nathan what we were discussing. We explained to him how that is not only rude but unacceptable behavior in public or anywhere else. He totally agreed.
What kinds of things to do you do with your kids that help instill values and common courtesy within them? Do you ever worry that as they grow older that they will exhibit questionable behavior when you aren't looking? ♥
