Guides to Manners: What Children Need to Know

In these days of fast paced lifestyle and career focused parents, sometime we forget to teach our children those simple manners that should make them grow into gentlemen and ladies. The following are things are a must teach to your kids;

• The art of saying, “Please.” They should precede their requests with please. It shows politeness
• The art of saying “Thank you”; for every request of theirs that was heeded to and for anything they receive, an appreciative thank you is necessary
• They should not interrupt adults when they are speaking, except there is an emergency. It would also be nice if you notice that your child is itching to speak to you, to pause your discussion and learn what he wants to say; that way he will not feel neglected
• If they must interrupt adult’s discussions, they should learn the art of saying, “Excuse me.” Also use Excuse me when you run into someone
• How to ask for permission before using what is not theirs
•   How to wait for their turns in a queue
• Not to criticize people’s physical appearance; they should rather learn how to pass compliments that are genuine
• Showing respect to elders and greeting them accordingly; they should however be taught how to act around strangers (see our posting on Talking with strangers)
•  Not to barge into rooms without knocking on doors, and waiting to be invited in
•  Never use foul languages either with your mates or in the presence of adults
• Don’t be a bully or part of a bullying gang
• When coughing or sneezing in public, they should cover their mouth
• Do not pick your nose in public
• Offer to help an elderly person doing some chores
• Offer up your seat to an elderly person in a public place; buses, trains, Church etc.
• Learn the proper use of cutleries and how to eat properly