Manners matter

Has the old adage 'manners maketh the man' gone for good? A development play worker visiting a nearby playgroup told staff they were no longer required to teach manners to the children. Furthermore, she said the children should have access to food all morning. Where have our values gone? How will children learn to respect people if they are no longer shown the right way to behave at mealtimes? Isn't this part of caring, sharing and considering our fellows? Is that now the way to eat - any time you like and just help yourself?