Do you think teaching kids to use 'Ms and Mr' to address adults is good or out dated?

Question

I am Southern and have always used the 'mam and sir' titles when talking to people in general. I teach my kids to do the same and call adults Mr/Ms(first name). I had someone tell me they thought this was strange and impersonal. What do you thinks?

Answer 1

I think it's appropriate that they call their friends parents Mr and Mrs or Ms.  They should address people at church or school that way, the doctor or dentist, etc.  

My best friend's kids called me by the nick-name my niece and nephews used, and my kids used her first name.  I guess it's kind of individual.  You like it, you do it.

Answer 2

Yes, yes yes and yes.  If I had my own children they would learn to respect elders.  I am a teacher and I don't get the respect I deserve at school from many of the kids.  I at least expect my students to say 'yes' and 'no' respectfully to me.

Answer 3

The Mr/Mrs part is a good thing. The fact that you are coupling it with the persons FIRST name is tacky. It should always be Mr/Mrs Last Name.

Manners are a good thing! More people should have them.

Answer 4

Completely proper, and I think you are raising your kids with good manners.

Answer 5

i am also southern and i think that if your southern or northern that it's outdated. I think that your parents named you your name because that is what your ment to be called. If we were to be called ms. or mr. then that's how we would have been named. It is supposed to be a sign of respect but if it was a sign of respect then why would adults get treated with great respect but kids don't get treated with any respect at all.

Answer 6

I think you're probably confusing people.  It's proper to address people you don't know with Mr/Mrs/Ms. LAST NAME not first.  Regardless of what age you are.  I would absolutely hate to be called Ms. Ann.  At best it sounds ignorant and at worst sarcastic, and I sure as heck would not want a child calling me that at the urging of his or her parent.

Answer 7

Good manners never go out of date.

Answer 8

If only more people would, but it's a losing battle.  These days, some kids are even calling their parents by first name :(

and then they wonder why kids don't show respect for adults and authority anymore?

Answer 9

i think its good. i think its kinda rude not to atleast start calling them that and as they get to kno the person they can become not so formal

Answer 10

I agree that good manners are always a good idea.  But I also have experienced people that take offense to this.  In particular Ms. vs. Mrs.  Many people do not understand Ms. and think it is Miss.  I know someone close to me that thinks it's an insult to be called Ms. when she is married and should be called Mrs.  I tried explaining the meaning, but this person (older) is still very offended.  I would say most people would appreciate the proper address.

Answer 11

Respect is NEVER out-dated.

Answer 12

You're imparting respect for others and I'm right there with you, Ma'am. I often call even my closest friends by Mr./Ms. Surname. It's just the way I learned more than a half century ago and I'm from Canada with an Eastern European background.

Answer 13

It is never out of date to teach respect and manners and this is what such thiings do, teach.