Mind your manners
Most parents have been embarrassed by their child searching for “bats in the cave” at the wrong moment, blurting out that a person in the near vicinity is fat or belching the national anthem for the world to hear.
After the cringe factor wears off, you may ask yourself – do children still have manners these days? Or more importantly, how can I avoid this situation in the future?
If this is you, you are not alone. So dire has the situation become that even the most upper class of children may have lost their manners, to which UK hotel The Kensington attests with its new manners/etiquette class for children.
It’s never too late to drill the fundamentals into your kids though, so here are 10 basic manners (besides table manners) that all kids need to know.
1) Wait your turn and do not interrupt other people when they are speaking
No one can be heard if there are too many voices at once. Gently ask your child to wait until someone is done speaking, and then to ask their question. Be sure to give your child your full attention when you are done speaking to reinforce their positive behaviour. While children are patiently waiting, hold their hand or put your arm around them to let them know you are aware of their presence.
2) No name calling
We’re all taught that “sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me,” but it’s just not true; name calling hurts. Instead of labels, ask children to explain what the behaviour is that bothers them.
3) Always greet someone when they come over to your house
Depending on your level of formality, you can teach your child to shake hands with adults who come over, but it’s not necessary to shake hands with other children. However, your child should always say, “hello” or “hi” when someone visits so that the guest feels welcome.
4) Say, “please” and “thank-you” often
This shows respect and appreciation. Additionally, when thanked they should then say “you’re welcome.”
5) Clean up after yourself
This applies to home, and visits to a friend’s house. If it’s their mess, they need to clean it up, especially before the next activity begins.
6) Good sportsmanship
After playing a game (sports, cards, board game), no matter the outcome, teach your child to be pleasant. If they win, tell him/her to not gloat or show off, but to be kind. If they lose, don’t sulk or get mad, but be a good sport and tell the other child(ren) “good game” or speak well of them.
7) Take compliments courteously
If someone praises your children, teach them to be gracious and say, “thank you” and avoid putting themselves down or pointing out flaws.
8) Open doors for others
When going into buildings, allow elders to go first and open the door for them. When preceding others into a building, don’t let the door slam in the face of those behind, but hold the door until the person behind can grab it. Also teach your children that if someone holds the door for them, then remember to say “thank you.”
9) Exiting/entering etiquette
Elevators: allow those in the elevator to exit first before entering the elevator. The same goes for buildings or rooms – if someone is exiting the building or room through the same door you are entering, let them exit first.
10) Respect differences
When people do things differently from your family because of diversity in culture, race, or religion, then teach your child respect. Families have their own traditions or rituals, and it is important and has meaning for that family.
