Vernon J DeFlanders Sr Revives Timeless Values in Teaching Kids Good Manners the OldSchool Way

U.S. Air Force veteran and retired federal logistics engineer shares a practical guide for raising respectful, responsible, and confident children in today’s distracted world.

In a time when screen time, social disconnection, and shifting social norms continue to shape the way children communicate, author Vernon J. DeFlanders Sr. offers families a timely reminder that manners still matter. His book, Teaching Kids Good Manners the Old-School Way: Timeless Values and Everyday Lessons for Raising Respectful, Responsible, and Confident Kids, provides parents, grandparents, teachers, and youth leaders with a practical roadmap for teaching children respect, gratitude, discipline, and self-control.

Designed for those guiding children ages 4 to 14, the book brings together old-school wisdom and everyday application. Rather than relying on complicated theories or harsh discipline, DeFlanders encourages calm consistency, clear expectations, and loving correction. His approach helps children learn simple but powerful habits, including saying “please” and “thank you,” making eye contact, showing respect to adults, practicing table manners, and carrying themselves with confidence.

Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Air Force veteran, a retired federal logistics engineer, and a grandfather, DeFlanders writes from a place of service, discipline, and genuine concern for the next generation. His message is both practical and heart-forward: children are not born knowing how to show respect, but they can be taught with patience, structure, and love.

Teaching Kids Good Manners the Old-School Way also speaks to the important role of grandparents, educators, and community leaders in shaping children’s character. Through real-life scripts, weekly routines, and simple habits families can begin using immediately, the book equips adults to teach manners without yelling, shaming, or begging.

Beyond manners, DeFlanders’ broader body of work reflects his dedication to faith, friendship, dignity, and character development. His catalog includes Teaching Children How to Pray and the Reasons for It, Breaking Stereotypes: Seeing People for Who They Are, and Beyond Acquaintances. Together, these works support his mission of helping families raise whole, respectful, and compassionate children.

Vernon J. DeFlanders Sr. is the founder of Manners Matter Now and continues to provide books, resources, and guidance for families and educators who believe character still counts. His work reminds readers that while times may change, respect, responsibility, and kindness never go out of style.

Teaching Kids Good Manners the Old-School Way is available on Amazon, MannersMatterNow.com, and VernonBooks.com.

About the Author

Vernon J. DeFlanders Sr. is a U.S. Air Force veteran, retired federal logistics engineer, and multi-title author dedicated to raising the next generation of respectful, confident children. With decades of service to his country and the federal government, he brings a lifetime of discipline, faith, and practical wisdom to his writing. Through MannersMatterNow.com and VernonBooks.com, DeFlanders provides books, articles, digital toolkits, and resources designed to help parents, grandparents, teachers, and youth leaders build character in children through respect, gratitude, prayer, friendship, and human dignity.

Global Book Network - Vernon J. DeFlanders Sr., Author of Teaching Kids Good Manners