A while back, I stumbled upon a trend where adults enroll in “preschool” classes to reconnect with their playful side. They engage in activities like coloring, finger painting, and show-and-tell, shelling out up to $1,000 for the experience. Honestly, here’s a thought: why not just borrow my child for a day of fun while I enjoy a nice dinner with my partner? Kids these days, right?
But I digress. The real reason for my disbelief is the sheer number of adults who seem to embody the worst qualities of children. Their manners are often more lacking than that of a toddler, and frankly, their inner child can be quite unpleasant. These are the individuals who would truly benefit from a little preschool refresh, but instead of diving into sensory bins, here’s what they really need to grasp:
- Cough Etiquette
Just last week, I was utterly appalled to see people coughing without covering their mouths in enclosed spaces—three times, no less! This was right before flu season, and one woman even turned toward my newborn and coughed on her. I was too shocked to speak but managed a frustrated glare in her direction, which she completely missed—just like a child would. - Clean Up Your Mess
Reward yourself like a child if you must, but please, show some consideration for others. I might be a mess at home, but in public, I strive to be tidy. It’s simply rude to leave a mess for someone else to handle. Watching a woman in her fifties wipe muffin crumbs onto the floor of a cafe made me think a little reminder would be helpful. - Form a Line
If you’re out with your kids, it’s perfectly fine to walk side by side. However, taking up the entire sidewalk with your family and strolling leisurely is not okay. I’m trying to get somewhere and probably running late with my own kids, so please, move to the side. - Respect Personal Space
This one is crucial: DO NOT TOUCH MY BABY! It’s annoying when strangers invade your personal space, especially when you’re a new parent. My baby hasn’t had all her shots yet, and I’d appreciate it if you kept your hands to yourself. - Use Polite Language
Saying “please” and “thank you” is non-negotiable. If you want something, you need to ask nicely. And while we’re at it, let’s not forget the importance of genuinely apologizing when you’ve wronged someone. Not sure how to do that? Just think of empathy. - Practice Empathy
Have you ever considered how your actions affect others? For example, how would you feel if someone didn’t hold the door for you when you were struggling with a stroller? Or if someone shot you a glare just for sitting next to them in a restaurant? Just remember, treat others as you would like to be treated. - No Shoving
I can hardly believe I need to mention this, but after witnessing a chaotic Halloween event, I now understand it’s necessary. Parents were literally shoving my cautious 3-year-old aside to get their kids to the front of the candy line. If you’re wondering why kids today have poor manners, just look at their parents. - Stay Focused
It’s easy to get distracted and lose your focus, just like kids do. But if you start judging someone else instead of concentrating on your own actions, you might trip up. So let’s all just keep our eyes on our own paths.
There you have it—eight simple rules for being a thoughtful and courteous human being. Feel free to share this list with anyone who might need it. If they take offense? Well, someone needs to step up and be the adult.
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In summary, it’s essential for adults to embrace the basic courtesy and kindness we often associate with preschoolers. By practicing these simple manners, we can create a more respectful environment for everyone.