The Wall Street Journal Article on the Benefits of Life Long Lessons for Boys

Introduction

The Wall Street Journal recently had an article about a group of psychologists that started a research program to study the benefits of social skills and manners for boys with behavioral issues. 

Teachers identified the boys (ages 7-9) as highly aggressive or hyperactive. These boys were living in Montreal at the time. 

The researchers divided the boys into two groups via a random drawing. 

Those who were chosen to participate in the study had two years of social skills coaching. They participated in role-playing exercises that encompassed behavioral skills, fundamental manners, and positive reinforcement, just like Manners To Go.

However, the teachers also visited with the parents individually on a regular basis to provide updates.

The research and teachings were designed to help the boys deal with everyday social situations.

The study’s goal was to see how much this type of training affected high-risk boys over time.

Fast forward.  The researchers followed up with them from ages 10 to 24. 

A large improvement in self-control, attention, and overall social skills was noted.  The boys performed better in school. In early adulthood, they were more likely to have friends. 

The lead researcher and a fresh group of coworkers have now returned to the experiment after 30 years.

And the outcomes are not shocking to us at Manners To Go. The social skills training made a significant difference for the boys – and society. 

According to their research, 69% of the males from the same school who did not receive training in manners and life skills had left high school, and 32% had a criminal record.

The boys who participated in the life skills program had higher rates of marriage, 20% higher yearly incomes, and 40% lower rates of welfare dependency.

This research shows remarkable results for children and the benefits of teaching manners and social skills.  An early start is also helpful. 

It seems that there is little to gain and much to lose if we use the watch-and-wait method with disruptive boys, the main researcher observed.  The stakes are too high”.

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The above study validates the value of teaching manners to all children, not only boys.

I have always believed every child deserves a chance to learn good manners.

If you have the passion, then there are steps you can take to become an etiquette expert.

This takes desire, passion, and grit of course! 

We make it easy.

Please let us know if you’d like to join our manners movement.