Parenting: Teaching Chivalry & Manners, Free Reference + Share Your Input

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My 4 year old son has the chivalry gene. You would think a 4 year old boy would be preoccupied with Hot Wheels and being first to do something before the other kids.

Not Hot Rod. (His nickname for new blog readers)

Every morning when I leave for work, he opens my car door for me. Waits for me to buckle up. Climbs up in the car gives me a kiss, then hops down and closes the door.

He created this routine on his own. Which of course makes me proud, but it also makes me wonder about that nurture versus nature theory.

Of course his dad and I have instructed him in manners since he was little, but some of these behaviors he's created on his own.

So what do you think it is? Nature or Nurture? I think it's a mix.

Things I want my boys to do for others, not just women:

1. Open and hold doors

2. Shake hands when you meet someone

3. Take their hat off when someone is praying or the national anthem is being played.

4. Take their hat off when they go inside a building (I'm not strict on this, because some days they have wild and crazy hair, a hat in that case is better)

5. Help ladies in and out of cars.

A few things I want my children to know:

1. Never talk about an event, activity or party you are doing with a friend in front of someone who is not invited.

2. Loyalty to family and friends

3. Make everyone feel included and everyone has value

4. Never laugh at someone if they are hurt or tripped

5. Mainly be considerate

These are all points my husband and I discuss and model for our kids, not because we're Southerners, but because we want them to respect others.

I'm not the only one who is concerned over chivalry.

Here are some blog posts and sites totally dedicated to the idea:

1. BlogHer guest blogger Calliope wrote a good piece

here. She normally blogs on Creating Motherhood