Politeness

How we live in relation to one another is becoming increasingly important, even in our parenting. According to one source, "Politeness is making a comeback. Growing numbers of Americans say that parents need to teach their children good behavior. Between 1991 and 1995, the share of U.S. adults who agree that good manners and politeness are among the most important qualities for parents to instill in children rose 10 percentage points, to 59 percent. Americans now rate manners and politeness as the most important qualities to encourage in children, ahead of 10 other traits, including a sense of responsibility, tolerance and respect for others, and religious faith."

 - Roper Starch Worldwide, as reported in American Demographics, March 1997, p. 37