Give Please a Chance

01Why is politeness so important?

You're at a bustling coffee shop, the barista is swamped with orders, and you're next in line. You could bark out your order, or you could say, "Could I please have a latte?" The word 'please' is small, but it carries a lot of weight. It transforms a demand into a request, showing respect, humility, and acknowledgement of the other person's ability to grant or deny your request. In "Give Please a Chance," authors Bill O'Reilly and James Patterson explore the power of 'please' through a series of engaging stories and illustrations. One memorable example involves a young boy asking his father for a bedtime story. Instead of demanding, "Tell me a story," the boy says, "Could you please tell me a story?" The father, touched by his son's politeness, happily obliges. This simple scenario illustrates how 'please' can soften a demand, making it more likely to be met with a positive response. The authors also use illustrations to convey the importance of politeness. One striking illustration shows a little girl asking her mother for a cookie. The first panel shows the girl demanding, "Give me a cookie!" The mother looks taken aback. The next panel shows the girl saying, "May I please have a cookie?" This time, the mother smiles and hands her a cookie. The contrast between the two panels helps young readers understand how 'please' can change the tone of a request, making it more pleasant and respectful. Politeness plays a crucial role in our daily interactions. It's the oil that keeps the gears of social interaction running smoothly. When we're polite, our interactions are more pleasant, our relationships improve, and we contribute to a more respectful and considerate society. Imagine if the boy in the book had demanded a story from his father. The father might have felt annoyed and less inclined to read a story. But because the boy said 'please', the father felt respected and was happy to fulfill his son's request. "Give Please a Chance" is primarily aimed at children, but its message is universal. The authors understand the importance of instilling these values early on. Teaching children the importance of politeness and the power of 'please' can help them develop into respectful and considerate adults. It's not just about getting what they want; it's about learning to respect others and their autonomy. The long-term benefits of teaching politeness to children extend far beyond the immediate gratification of having their requests granted. So, why is politeness so important? It's because it's the glue that holds our social interactions together. It's the difference between a demand and a request, between a frown and a smile, between conflict and cooperation. So, the next time you're in a bustling coffee shop, remember the power of 'please'. And if you have children, teach them the importance of this small but mighty word. Because a world where everyone gives 'please' a chance is a world that's a little bit kinder, a little bit more respectful, and a lot more pleasant to live in.