Late last month, Michael Bond, author of the beloved Paddington Bear children鈥檚 book series about the misadventures of a bear from Peru that migrates to London, Since the publication of A Bear Called Paddington in 1985, more than of Bond鈥檚 books in the 150-book series have made their way into the hands of readers. They have also been made into both an and a 2014 鈥攁 second film is scheduled for release in January 2018.
Many children鈥檚 books tickle the cuteness radar with their tales of animals. But Bond鈥檚 bear is not only immensely likeable, Paddington is also unfailingly decorous. Paddington maintains this decorum in all his encounters, whether he鈥檚 negotiating prices at the market in Portobello Road or conversing with Beefeaters at the Tower of London.
It turns out we could all use a reminder from Paddington: A 2016 by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that 74 percent of Americans think that manners have declined over the past three decades. According to psychologist and self-described 鈥渕anners guru鈥� Alex J. Packer, . Both etiquette authorities and the founders of John Hopkins University鈥檚 Civility Project recognize that children鈥檚.
On July 2nd, reported that Bond modeled Paddington鈥檚 courteousness on his own father鈥檚 good manners. Unsurprisingly, Bond鈥檚 editor, Bond as 鈥渁 true gentleman.鈥�
As a child, I often checked out library books about the sweet but clumsy Paddington. From making messes with marmalade to miscommunications that nearly result in the furry protagonist鈥檚 arrest, Paddington鈥檚 daily encounters are riddled with opportunities for him to become angry and act rudely. But he never does. Instead, he remains civil, and this civility endears him to the other characters and often helps extricate him from his run-ins. Although I failed to pinpoint his tact when I read the series with my parents as a youngster, I recognized his capacity for kindness and his ability to befriend others.
At 18, I brought copies of Miss Manners and Emily Post with me to college, and for my 21st birthday, I asked for personalized stationery鈥攊sn鈥檛 that what all the kids want for their 21st these days? When I was flipping through a few well-worn Paddington books after I learned about Bond鈥檚 death, I realized that Paddington was one of my first etiquette instructors, long before my father started clipping Judith Martin鈥檚 columns out of the newspaper for me.
If teachers and parents were to look to Paddington for tips on good behavior to share with students, they might consider these:
- Be presentable. Though Paddington dislikes baths, he makes sure that he is presentable. Paddington鈥檚 routine ablutions are a good guide for children on the importance of personal hygiene and the need to dress in accordance with the occasion.
- Acknowledge others. Whenever Paddington goes out, he raises his hat. He always remembers to say 鈥減lease鈥� and 鈥渢hank you.鈥� Teaching children to speak to others
- Keep the spaces you use clean. Paddington might have the hardest time observing this one鈥攈e finds himself in quite a few sticky situations, especially since he carries marmalade sandwiches in his hat!鈥攂ut he does make a conscientious effort to take responsibility for his space.
- Write thank-you notes. Every Christmas, a plethora of parcels pour through the mail slot in the green front door of 32 Windsor Gardens, Paddington鈥檚 London home. He keeps a list of what he receives so that he can respond appropriately. (See No. 2.)
- Be hospitable. Paddington plans events with his guests鈥� preferences in mind so that everyone feels welcome and comfortable. Understanding how to be both a good host and a good guest are social skills that are worth developing so that children know how to make others feel appreciated and how to appreciate the kindness of others.
- Think before you act. Even when someone annoys Paddington, he never responds impolitely. Instead, he gives his signature hard stare, which allows him to think before he speaks, a valuable lesson at any age.
- Don鈥檛 interrupt adults. Paddington always waits his turn to speak. This is a good message that teaches patience, respect, and impulse control. These skills , according to Walter Mischel鈥檚 famous marshmallow study.
- Show awareness of others鈥� concerns. When Paddington first arrived in London, he knew nothing about the city. Nevertheless, he asked the first people who greeted him if he could be of assistance. His persistent willingness to help others demonstrates his caring nature.
- Apologize when you鈥檙e in the wrong. Perhaps humility is Paddington鈥檚 most important lesson. Paddington is never malicious, but when he upsets others, he sets it right through an apology or a good deed. Teaching children to apologize when they have erred not only helps them develop a sense of right and wrong, it also instills in them the importance of taking responsibility for their actions.
Paddington鈥檚 brand of etiquette is all about consideration for others. Incorporating these soft skills into the classroom can help students learn respect, responsibility, and kindness. Learning civility at a young age sets children up for in both academic and professional careers. This way, they, too, can be like Paddington and always land on their feet.
by Flickr user , licensed under
by Flickr user , licensed under