Manners Kids Should Know

Children’s attitudes aren’t always intentional. Oftentimes, kids simply don’t realize that what they’re saying or doing is rude or impolite. And in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s hard for parents to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce the following must-do manners, your child will be an etiquette rockstar.

Say “Please”
When asking for something, make sure to use the magic word. This is usually the first etiquette rule that children are taught.

Say “Thank you” and “You’re welcome”
After receiving something, say “thank you.” If someone thanks you for something, you should reply, “You’re welcome.”

Make eye contact
It’s polite to look someone in the eye when speaking to them. Teaching a child the importance of eye contact is a basic manner that they will use throughout their lives. Remind them not to look around the room or stare into space when someone is speaking to them.

Shake hands when meeting someone
As adults, a good handshake can make a great first impression. Your child should learn that when meeting someone, it’s customary to shake hands – right hand only, web to web. Let your child know that a firm handshake is ideal, but not so hard that you hurt the other person (as children can get carried away).

Do not interrupt
Do not interrupt your friends, and especially grown-ups, when they’re speaking to one another. When they’re finished talking, you may speak. If you really need to say something when someone else is talking...see next manner.

Say “Excuse me”
If you need to get someone’s attention right away, say, “Excuse me.” It’s the most polite way to enter a conversation. “Excuse me” can also be used if you accidentally bump into someone, or when you’re trying to get by someone without pushing them out of the way.

Ask Permission
If there is any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. Your child should know (and you already know) that this can save hours of grief down the road.

If you can’t say something nice…
You know the rest. Your child should learn to keep negative thoughts to himself or herself.

Comments about physical appearance
Children don’t always realize that it’s not nice to comment about physical appearance in a negative way. They should learn that unless they have a compliment about someone’s appearance (which is always welcome), they should keep quiet. This can save you and your child from an embarrassing situation.

How are you?
When someone asks how you are, you should tell them how you're doing, and respond by saying, “How are you?”

Listening
It’s hard to talk to someone who is a bad listener, and it’s important for your child to develop good listening skills at an early age. They’ll thank you later in life! You should teach your child about good body language, eye contact, nodding their head and asking questions (without interrupting) during a conversation.

Knock on closed doors
Before entering a room, knock on the door. Wait a few moments to see if there’s a response, and then you may enter.

Answering the phone
If your child answers the phone, he or she should know what to say. For example, the child could say “Hello, Jones residence, this is Johnny speaking.” When the person on the other end asks to speak to someone else, the child should say something like, “One moment, please.” The person on the other end of the line will be impressed.

Thank you notes
It’s very important for your child to learn how to express gratitude in a meaningful way. One of the best ways to learn this skill is by writing a simple a thank you note. If your child doesn’t know how to write yet, a simple drawing will do. Your child can help put the note in the envelope, put the stamp on it and drop it in the mail box.

Avoid foul language, name calling & teasing
Never use foul language. Grown-ups already know these words and they find them unpleasant. Even words like “stupid” should be avoided. Along the same lines, don’t call anyone a mean name. It’s not nice. The same goes for teasing. Ganging up on someone is just cruel.

Cover your mouth
Teach your child that coughing and sneezing can spread germs. When you cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your mouth. You can either put your hand(s) over your mouth, or bring your elbow to your mouth to avoid getting germs on your hands. Oh, and keep your finger out of your nose.

Holding a door
After you walk through a door, turn around to see if anyone is behind you. If so, hold the door open for others to pass through. If someone holds the door open for you, be sure to thank them.

Favors
When an adult asks you for a favor, put on a smile and do it without fussing.

Table Manners
Proper table manners are so important. Dinner time is a great time to teach your child or children about table manners. One of the first things kids should learn is to chew with their mouth closed. You can role play to show your child what it looks like when you chew with your mouth open…yuck! Another important table manner is body posture. Elbows should not be on the table and you should sit up straight while you eat. You should teach your children how to properly hold and use utensils, including cutting their food if they are old enough to use a knife. Also, make sure they put their napkin in their lap and wipe their mouth when necessary. When they need a certain food item, make sure they ask for it to be passed instead of reaching.

Teaching manners to your children can be difficult. You may feel like you’re pushing or nagging, but you’ll be surprised how much actually sticks with them. Your efforts are likely to be met with resistance, but stay the course. With persistence and patience, you’ll have children who are polite, considerate, tolerant and respectful.