sniffing

Sir Alex Ferguson looks like a cow chewing the cud when the camera focuses on him during a match. Do his jaws really need that much exercise?

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHETHER TEACHERS TALK ABOUT GOOD MANNERS NOWADAYS? OR DO THEY JUST FOCUS ON STOPPING VIOLENCE?

What makes you ask judi?

The school my grandson attends is very hot on good manners and it is obvious when we attend any open days or events. I was so impressed that I actually wrote to the head teacher to congratulate her and her staff on the behaviour of her pupils.

I think in primary schools the teachers do their best to teach the children to consider other people's feelings.

In secondary school I imagine they are too busy teaching the national curriculum.

I would think it's more of a job for parents.

It certainly should be, Carol, but some parents need lessons in manners themselves.....

One of the many things I love about our grandchildren is that they cottoned on at a very early age that good manners matter. The credit must go to our DD, but manners were instilled in her (and her brother) at an early age so I imagine parents and grandparents do have to take responsibility for kind and thoughtful behaviour (which is what manners are all about) and it is a bonus when schools back us up - which I'm sure most schools try to do, even though it must be an uphill battle at times.

A very hot day today and water had been left out for passing dogs - I put my hand in to show dearie to have a drink and someone had spat in it so I found myself with a handful of .... oh yes!!!!!! How awful and several handwashes later it still feels yukky.

When I was at infants school we were lined up every morning and had to show a clean hanky and have our shoes inspected.
My Dad used to make us, from starting school age, give our shoes a good polish every Sunday evening in readiness for the school week ahead.

I don't think many children these days are expected to prepare much for themselves. Infact from what I see, many of them cannot iron a shirt or wash something for themselves before they leave home !