We hear a lot of people discussing civility lately.  Maybe it’s because it’s election season.  Too often, civility  takes a backseat to political conviction.

There’s a lot of finger pointing and complaining about someone else not being civil.

If we really want to see an improvement in civility, we must start with ourselves.  We challenge you to start today.  Start with yourself.

Here’s 5 ways you can be more civil today:

1.  Acknowledge others’ feelings

2.  Be a good listener

3.  Avoid political labels and generalizations that don’t really represent candidates or parties

4. Consider the impact of your words before you speak

5. Help others feel included

Learn more about character education.

Respect can be easily taught by being a good role model.

Kids are watching how you treat others, even when you may not even realize it.  Think about a few of these instances where you may be  unconsciously teaching kids about respect.

Do they see you:

• be rude to the cashier at the grocery store?
• be inconsiderate of others’ feelings?
• criticize others?
• being intolerant of other people’s beliefs or values?

In addition to being a good role model, here are more ways that you can promote respect in your home:

• Make a list of ways to show respect in your home.
• Embrace diversity with individuals who are ethnically and culturally different.
• Talk to children about the differences between treating everyone with respect and admiring them.
• Teach the Golden Rule – treat others they way that you would like to be treated.