Whenever I take my three kids to a restaurant, they understand that post-meal cleanup is part of the experience. We stack dishes, return salt shakers and ketchup bottles, and scan the floor for any crumbs or wrappers. While some outings result in minimal mess, it’s inevitable that three children will leave their mark. However, that doesn’t give them a reason to create chaos.
One of our go-to dining spots serves delicious fried green beans and features a dedicated shelf for children, which is why we love it. This shelf is filled with board games, coloring books, and crayons. Before we settle down, we always grab a game like Memory or Connect 4 to enjoy while waiting for our food. Once our meals arrive, we make sure to tidy up the games and return them to their rightful place. No one wants to flip through greasy Memory cards stained with dipping sauce, and those games are for everyone. Since we visit often, I want to ensure we’re welcomed back, so we clean up after ourselves.
Children are inherently curious and playful, but it’s essential to teach them that public spaces are not their personal playgrounds. These areas belong to everyone, and we must show consideration by keeping them tidy, adhering to the rules, and making sure others can enjoy them too. No one likes seeing trash littering the beach or the park. From an early age, kids can learn to dispose of trash properly or place recyclables in the bin. I remember my kids being thrilled to carry something in their hands and be praised for putting it away. One of my children even turned it into a game, happily spending hours tidying up.
We also need to instill respect for signs like “Do not enter” and “Danger.” These warnings exist for everyone’s safety, and our naturally curious kids must understand that they apply to them as well. Toys at the doctor’s office, library, or bookstore should be cleaned up when finished. They are a privilege, and maintaining them benefits all children and provides a moment of peace for parents who might just need a break.
If something is knocked over in a store, it’s important to pick it up. Leaving it for someone else to handle is inconsiderate. Quick reminders are helpful; before heading to the library, restaurant, park, zoo, or indoor gym, I always take a moment to discuss our expectations. Libraries aren’t for gymnastics, and grocery stores aren’t the place for tag. We should leave each place as we found it—or better. Respecting our surroundings and the property of others is crucial.
If we fail to teach our kids these values, who will? It’s vital that we lead by example and emphasize the importance of respecting public property from a young age. Hopefully, these lessons will become second nature sooner rather than later. However, it’s important to recognize that teaching these values is an ongoing process. We educate, reinforce, and repeat.
Honestly, I sometimes have to remind myself when I see children misbehaving (even my own) that it might not be due to a lack of instruction or irresponsible parenting. Kids are natural testers of limits, even those who are typically well-behaved. Their frontal lobes—the part of the brain responsible for impulse control—are still developing, and it’s up to us as parents to guide them consistently. This requires ongoing effort, but it’s essential and rewarding.
This process teaches kids more than just how to clean up after themselves. It fosters empathy and compassion for others, helps them appreciate the beauty of shared spaces, and instills an understanding that such places can be harmed if not cared for properly. Most importantly, it shows them that the world is bigger than just themselves, filled with others who also deserve to enjoy public spaces.
I’m not perfect, and maintaining respect for public areas can be challenging. There are times when I resort to rewards or incentives to encourage my kids to behave. Admittedly, some days it’s simpler to hand them a device and instruct them to sit quietly. And I’m not ashamed to admit that!
In conclusion, teaching our children to respect public spaces is vital for their development and the well-being of our communities. By guiding them through these lessons, we not only create better citizens but also foster a culture of consideration and responsibility.