Summer is here Be sure the kids are equipped with manners!

Manners are more important than simply not repulsing the person next to you when you eat. They are a part of a larger picture. Simply put: Manners keep the world civilized.

If we stop teaching our children manners, our society will be in a heap of trouble! Practicing manners leads to caring about others which in turns makes this world a better place to live. Teaching manners is the front line of kindness.

Have you ever had a stranger pick up something you dropped? They were taught manners which led them to be kind to you. Holding the door for the next person, giving up your seat in the waiting area of the restaurant for an elderly person, helping your neighbors search for their lost pet, pitching in when your coworker is having a bad day, donating to a worthy cause, supporting our troops regardless of your position on the war, serving at a food line for the homeless and hungry, forgiving even when we can't forget, these are acts of kindness beyond resting the napkin on your lap while you eat.

Practicing manners is exhibiting kindness. If we gradually become a world of people who have not been taught to care about how their actions can make others feel, as a society, we slide down a slope that will be most unpleasant when we hit bottom. Manners are very much a part of our world. It is the gift of compassion that we can generously share, regardless of wealth. Manners are the heart and soul of the human race.

What is the best way to teach manners?

By example! Of course with young children, words are required but more often than not, children will use their eyes much more often than their minds. Show them how good it feels to 'do unto others as you would have other do unto you.'

There is not much difference between random acts of kindness and manners. They are entwined into the core of humanity. Strengthen the ties that connect us and teach manners by both words and actions. Add to the glory of the human race.

Kids are gearing up for summer fun and Parent are just plain gearing up…
summer Stuff Below I have listed a few summer camps I have located in our area. There are still openings so hurry before all those juveniles run amok!

Village Players Performing Arts Center Summer Camp

ID Technology Camp –    Includes camps for film making, 3D gaming, and game and web design. Classes are day, extended day or overnight. Camps for kids 7 – 17.

School Daze, Presented  by Oak Park District 97. The offer all kinds of craft classes, academic and band camps.

Places to Visit or Volunteer for the summer

Oak Park Parks - Park District Facilities - Wonder Works has loads of summer classes - Ernest Hemingway Museum  – Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation  -

Volunteer Center of Oak Park and River Forest offers volunteer opportunities for both children and adults.

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