Showing respect is showing courtesy
We recite the tenets of Taekwondo every day.
“Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, and victory.”
Last week we discussed the first tenet of Taekwondo–courtesy.
What does “courtesy” really mean? In simple terms, it means being nice to others.
However, it goes beyond this. It also means being respectful of others. In other words, treat others as you would like to be treated–the golden rule. This would mean that you would want others to be nice and respectful to you. So you should in turn treat others nicely and respectfully if you wish to be treated that way.
For a child, all this don’t mean much unless you can show examples of “courtesy”. Below are examples that show acts of courtesy.
- Opening a door for someone
- Helping someone pick up their things after they dropped them
- Helping Mom around the house
- Saying “thank you” when someone does something nice to you
- Saying “sir” or “ma’am” when talking to elders
- In a bus, giving up your seat to an older person or someone who can’t stand for an extended period
- Sharing toys with other kids
Can you name a few more examples that show good examples of “courtesy”?