R-E-S-P-E-C-T

How come it is so difficult to raise responsible respectful children?  I feel like all 4 of my children are on the extreme end of the spectrum and have no manners or respect for others.  It's not like I don't try to teach these things on a daily basis.  I feel like I am a person who shows respect to others so I have to sigh when I read articles that have one of the "fixes" that says to be a good example and they will model the behavior.  Well I am calling BULL CRAP on that one.

Is anybody else out there just completely embarrassed to take their children anywhere in public for fear that their children will completely blow others away on how disrespectful they are?  My children seem to have no manners.  No common sense.  It is driving me nuts.  It drove me crazy to read an article that stated that there were actually business' that were starting to discriminate against customers with children.  Ridiculous, right? I mean give me a break.  If our children are not allowed in public, where are they going to learn these skills.

But (gasp!) when I take my children out, I am actually starting to see where they are coming from.  I feel like this is a reflection of my parenting.  Why do they not have better manners, and know basic people skills?  Have I really been this terrible of a mother? I don't know.  Tell me what you do to teach your children manners, and how you practice this in your house, because my way obviously isn't working and I am fed up with my own children.

And an apology to all those who have come in contact with my children recently.  We really are trying to work on these things.  I just have really rambucious children with minds of their own!!!  Please feel free to help me correct them in public, or let me know when they have been disrespectful to you so that I may correct this...

Peace