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There are hundreds of manners and courtesies parents should teach their kids. In fact, there are so many, Sheryl Eberly wrote about it: 365 Manners Kids Should Know: Games, Activities, and Other Fun Ways to Help Children and Teens Lean Etiquette.
From “Thank-you” notes, to texting, to behavior at events, it can be an overwhelming task to decide when and how to appropriately teach your children manners. Here we breakdown 33 manners that can help them gain confidence, set them up for success and be one less thing you have to worry about.
- Be A Good Guest – Offer To Help And Clean Up After Playing Or Eating
- Be A Good Host – Greet Guests At The Door, Offer Then A Glass Of Water And Ask If They Need Anything
- Stand-Up (And Remove Your Cap) To Show Respect For The National Anthem
- They Don’t Need To Be The Center Of Attention All The Time
- Wait Until Everyone Has Been Served Before You Start To Eat
- Be Aware of Personal Space
- When Walking Through A Door, See If You Can Hold It Open For Someone Else
- When Eating, Place A Napkin On Your Lap (And Use When Necessary)
- Always Take Your Dishes To The Sink (And Put In The Dishwasher If Possible)
- Be Courteous To Elders
- Don’t Point Or Stare At Others
- Politely Change The Subject Only When Appropriate
- Recognize (And Acknowledge) When Someone Enters Or Leaves A Room
- Try To Remember People’s Names
- Be Sensitive To People With Disabilities
- Saying “Excuse Me” Is The Most Polite Way To Interrupt A Conversation If Something Is Urgent
- When Someone Asks How You Are, Be Sure To Ask Them How They Are In Return
- Knock When A Door Is Closed, And Wait For A Response Before Entering
- Ask Permission To Borrow Something, And Return It Where You Got It
- Say “Please” When Asking For Something
- Say “Thank-You” When Receiving Something
- Let Others Finish Their Conversation Before You Speak
- Put Down Electronics When At The Table Or Speaking To Someone Else
- Practice Good Sportsmanship, Regardless If You Win Or Lose
- Say “Thank-You” When Complimented By Someone Else
- Share Whenever The Opportunity Presents Itself
- Don’t Litter – Always Throw Garbage In A Trash Can
- Use A Utensil, Not Fingers, To Push Food Onto A Fork Or Spoon
- Don’t Burp (Or Pass Gas) In Front Of Others
- Chew And Swallow Food Before Speaking
- Take Off Your Shoes When Entering Someone’s Home
- Answer The Phone Politely
- Pushing Or Shoving Someone Else When Frustrated Is Unacceptable Behavior
What manners do you think are must-haves for kids?
Photo by Vivian Chen [陳培雯] 