Teaching through rudeness

Rubbed the wrong way by "a lack of courtesy" they say has become a national epidemic, a Texas-based company (that describes itself as the "leading North American supplier of etiquette books and training materials for children") has developed a distance-learning course so parents can teach children everything from "basic table manners to managing conflict and showing kindness."

Here's an exerpt from an e-mail to the Daily Breeze pitching the materials.

We're surrounded by rudeness...road rage, loud cell phone conversations, foul language, the Internet. In fact, studies show 79% of Americans believe lack of courtesy is a serious national problem. Now, there's a new program designed to instill manners in kids, teaching them that in a world of iPods and cell phones, it's still important to say 'please' and 'thank you.'

The materials drill skills using a series of workbooks, lesson plans and training tips. Read more at the company's Web site.