Where Are Your Manners?

Why do I see so many children running around these days with absolutely no manners?  I know that I misbehaved as a child, but I also know for a fact I never behaved that badly, mainly, because I am still here to write this blog!   Now I am not writing about being abused as a child, but yes, I received my share of beatings.  Didn't we all back in the day?  I believe the term is "tough love."  Even those who acted up in school were subject to "the paddle."  Kids my age just learned the hard way how to behave.  And we were taught manners.  Saying "please", "excuse me", and "thank you"; holding the door for people, especially women; covering your mouth when you cough; whispering in the library; respecting our elders...  Now that I am approaching "elderly", I see less and less of these simple acts we know as manners.  So who is to blame?  Should we expect children to be taught these things in school?  I think not.  I believe that if anything is to change in the world today, it begins in the home.  It should be the responsibility of the parents to educate their young ones on how to act, how to behave.  These fundamentals can then be reinforced by teachers in school, and at church, but if they are not learned originally at home, at a young age, it is unlikely that teachers will have much influence.  In "The Family - A Proclamation to the World", the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints state "Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations."  Parents, teach your children!  They are the future, and without strong, responsible young men & women, the future doesn't look as bright as it should!