Are children reluctant to say thank you or am I being difficult?

This story about expressing gratitude was told by Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuong, a parent whose child is in 9th grade in Ho Chi Minh City, and recorded by a reporter from Tuoi Tre Online.

"That day, my child went with a group of friends to participate in an extracurricular program organized by the school. After the event, the group of 15 students didn't go home right away but went to a cafe near the school. I went to pick up my child, but she hadn't come home yet, so I followed them to the cafe."

Upon entering the restaurant, some of the children complained of hunger, but they only had enough money for water. Seeing this, I said, "Just order some noodles or pastries, I'll treat you." Hearing this, the whole group shouted "Yeah! Yeah!" repeatedly and excitedly ordered food. While eating, the children chatted lively. I felt happy too.

But that joy didn't last long.

After eating, the children left. Some went home via ride-hailing services, while others were picked up by their parents. I sat right by the entrance. Fourteen students, both boys and girls, left one after another, nonchalantly and indifferently. None of them bowed to me. Nor did any of them say thank you.

I was actually quite shocked by the behavior of those 15-year-old boys and girls. During dinner that evening, I recounted the story and reminded my son that he should know how to behave properly, that he should say thank you and apologize, and that he should bow when meeting adults… My husband, however, said, “They’re just kids, don’t take it to heart. They’re just being innocent.”

I disagree with my husband's point of view. The children are already 15 years old; they're not little kids anymore. Not to mention, that group includes many bright students, two of whom excel in all subjects and are always top students in their grade.

Do students today only know how to study? Is it enough for them to just focus on getting good grades?

Or maybe I'm just too picky?

What do you think of the story above? Please send your comments and stories to giaoduc@tuoitre.com.vn.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tre-ngai-noi-cam-on-hay-do-toi-kho-tinh-20250220140036024.htm