Nowadays, most of us hear these kinds of remarks from seniors or even from middle-agers that we were more mannerly in our childhood, and today’s kids don’t know how to behave reasonably.
Some parents ignore this type of remark, and some try to change this attitude of children. However, it is vital to understand those manners are not gifted to children in DNA, but guardians, elder siblings, and parents would have to make real effects to teach them how to conduct themselves better.
That’s why Mintbook decided to share essential good manners that kids need to know.
Good Manners for Your Kids
The Habit of Saying ‘Thank You’ & ‘Please’
If your question is the most basic manner that kids need to learn, then we would answer, it is the habit of saying please and thank you. Yes, seniors like grandparents, uncles aunts even teachers complain to parents that children don’t bother to use words like thank you and please.
That’s why it is the prime duty of parents to teach kids about the importance of these two words. Kids should use the use of consideration, appreciation, and gratitude frequently in their routine conversations with friends, family, and teachers. However, it is also significant that children should be able to understand the meaning and purpose of their words.
The Habit of Taking Permission Before Taking
It has been noticed that kids are not behaving mannerly that’s why they don’t bother to ask before taking anything. Whether is a tangible thing or not kids must have a habit of asking before taking it. Therefore, parents should make their kids with words like ‘Can I’ or ‘May I’. It is easy to make kids constant in this manner if parents try to develop this habit since early childhood.
Give Importance to Others
Parents need to teach their kids that they should give preference to others. Kids should only think about their benefits, goals, and desires but should also give importance to others.
Likewise, if they are in a school or a shopping mall, they should try to encourage others to enter first, especially elders. Similarly, in the house, children should also give proper importance to their other family members and should also take care of siblings, grandparents, and other family members with parents.
Respect Privacy
It has been seen that children don’t bother to get permission to enter into others’ houses and rooms. Elder siblings are the victims of this kind of poor conduct of their younger brothers and sisters. Similarly, the other family members also don’t like when kids enter a house or room without permission, but it is not only about consent. In actuality, parents should teach kids about the significance of privacy.
Surely, all of us have a private life where sometimes we have different moods and things to do. That’s why parents should raise their kids with the proper education of respecting privacy. Mainly, kids should knock on the door before entering anything and ask for permission.
Covering Mouth During Sneezing, Coughing and Yawning
Probably, many of you have noticed that preteen kids don’t have a habit of covering their mouths while sneezing and coughing, etc. Adults don’t give importance to changing this habit of kids in early childhood, but when kids of the age of more than 9 do the same thing, it feels inappropriate.
Therefore, we should teach the importance of covering the mouth while coughing, sneezing even yawning to children in early childhood. In this way, we wouldn’t be able to teach this manner easily, but kids can also avoid future embarrassment, especially if such things could hurt their academic or professional life.
Being Generous to Disabled People
Though in many countries of the world, there are special schools for disabled students, countries like Finland prefer to give education to these students in the same schools. In this way, they provide a clear message to the entire society that we don’t discriminate against our disabled personnel.
In our opinion, kids should learn in this manner since childhood. They shouldn’t only consider people with disabilities like them, but they should also act kindly to them. As kids learn some behaviors from their parents, that’s why parents should also take this advice seriously and should behave generously with disabled individuals.
Habit of Sharing
Another good manner that your kids must know is the habit of sharing. Though schools are trying their best to tell the kids about the practice of sharing still something is missing. Maybe, some parents don’t encourage sharing habits of kids.
It is easy to understand that in some situations, it becomes challenging for parents to encourage sharing habits but parents shouldn’t discourage the children at all. It is better to handle such critical situations with good and morally correct examples. Again, children should know that life is about sharing.
Being A Good & Responsible Guest
Most families usually hesitate the relatives who have toddlers, preteens, and teens because of the poor behavior of children. Thus, parents should teach children to be amiable and respectful to others while visiting any relative or friend’s house.
Children also shouldn’t show stubbornness about food as we have witnessed that children don’t bother to respect the feelings of others at the table where food is served. Sometimes, they complain about the dishes and sometimes, they eat in a poor manner and don’t care about the cleanliness. In this regard, it is the primary duty of parents to teach kids how to behave when they visit anyone and how to greet the host to make his/her day memorable.
A Handshake and Eye Contact
Though we can’t complain a lot about the shyness of kids these days due to the internet and fast lives still we have introverts who shy to greet others. First of all, if your kid is shy or introverted, then you don’t need to worry, but introverts are considered the most intelligent and smart as compared to others.
However, you only need to teach them about meeting others with full confidence, especially since they should show eye contact and prefer a handshake. As parents, you should start developing this habit within the home and when kids meet with siblings and friends. Hopefully, in this way, you will be able to train them adequately.
Politely Treat People Who Serve
First, you need to understand we are not only here to reduce classism and talk about the people who work at your home or serve food at the restaurant. In actuality, here we are referring to every person who serves you or your kids in any way, you should treat them politely and respect their emotions.
It has been noticed that parents don’t take graciously to salespeople, cashiers, servant restaurant waiters, etc. due to which their kids also think that it is their right to mistreat these people. So, both parents and kids should change this behavior and should treat everyone who serves. It could be a coffee server at home or a policeman on the road.
Use of ‘Excuse Me’ And ‘Sorry’
It is familiar with youngsters that they don’t like to say sorry and the ones who use the word sorry don’t mean what they are saying. That’s why parents shouldn’t only make their kids aware of the use of the word sorry in their routine conversation but should also tell them the exact meaning of sorry.
On the contrary, as kids are considered impatient by nature and don’t wait to participate in any conversation, that’s why they also need to learn the manner of acquiring permission before joining any talk. In this regard, children should use these two words, ‘excuse me’ and after the consent of the next person and group, they should try to contribute to the debate.
Don’t Make Fun of Others
It has become a common culture among school and college students that they love to make fun of others. Recently mass shooting incidents in America are consequences of the fun-making cases where students bullied other students, and he took revenge with a gun.
By making fun of others, we don’t shake their confidence level but also mentally disturb the next person. Therefore, parents should teach kids about not making fun of others. Parents should also quote the adverse effects of creating fun in this regard. Moreover, they should also be taught that it is harmful in both situations whether you bully anyone in a private meeting or public.
Give Respect to Elders
Whether it is about elder siblings or grandparents, children should be taught that they would have to give respect to elders. However, parents shouldn’t mix frank or friendly behavior with respect. Yes, they should be generous with kids in a preset limit. On the contrary, children should also give appropriate respect to elders of all ages without any gender or class discrimination.
Sharing and Taking Turns
Whether playing with friends or using digital resources like Mintbook’s Digital Library, teaching children to share and take turns fosters cooperation and kindness.
Practicing Digital Etiquette
In today’s digital world, good manners extend to online behavior. Teach your child to be polite in online interactions, avoid inappropriate content, and use digital resources responsibly.
Keeping Promises
Children should learn that their words hold value and that keeping promises is essential for building trust. If they commit to something, whether it’s finishing their homework or meeting a friend, they should follow through. This instills a sense of accountability and reliability, key traits that will help them throughout life. Parents can set an example by honoring their commitments as well.
Saying ‘Excuse Me’
Whether interrupting a conversation or moving past someone in a crowded space, saying ‘excuse me’ shows courtesy and respect. This simple phrase teaches children to be mindful of others and their surroundings. Encouraging this habit will help children develop a considerate attitude in social interactions, ensuring they grow into respectful individuals.
Covering Mouth When Sneezing or Coughing
Teaching children to cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing helps prevent the spread of germs and shows consideration for others. It’s essential to reinforce that they should use a tissue or their elbow rather than their hands. This habit contributes to overall hygiene and promotes a healthy environment for everyone around them.
Using Polite Language
Using respectful words and avoiding rude language fosters a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Teaching children to say phrases like ‘May I?’ or ‘Would you mind?’ instead of making demands helps them develop strong communication skills. Good language etiquette also ensures smoother interactions in school, at home, and in social settings.
Writing Thank You Notes
Encouraging children to write thank-you notes for gifts, favors, or acts of kindness helps instill gratitude. Whether it’s a handwritten note or a digital message, expressing appreciation teaches them to acknowledge the efforts of others. This small act can strengthen relationships and create a habit of recognizing kindness in everyday life.
Being Punctual
Respecting time is a valuable habit that teaches responsibility and discipline. Whether it’s arriving at school on time, completing assignments before deadlines, or showing up for an event as planned, being punctual shows respect for others’ time. Instilling this habit early prepares children for future responsibilities and professional commitments.
Offering to Help
Encouraging children to be helpful, whether at home, in school, or in their community, nurtures a sense of responsibility. Simple acts like holding the door open, helping with household chores, or assisting a friend in need cultivate empathy and teamwork. Children who actively seek ways to help others tend to build stronger social bonds and develop a caring nature.
Cleaning Up After Themselves
Teaching children to clean up after themselves fosters independence and responsibility. Whether it’s putting away toys, clearing the dining table, or organizing their school materials, this habit ensures they contribute to maintaining a tidy and organized environment. This skill will benefit them as they grow and take on more responsibilities in life.
Respecting Different Opinions
It’s crucial for children to learn that people may have differing opinions and perspectives. Encouraging respectful discussions and teaching them to listen without dismissing others’ viewpoints fosters open-mindedness. This skill is vital for building meaningful relationships and for thriving in diverse social and professional settings.
Taking Care of Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene is essential for health and self-confidence. Teaching children daily routines such as brushing their teeth, washing their hands, bathing regularly, and wearing clean clothes ensures they develop lifelong habits of cleanliness. These simple hygiene practices contribute to their well-being and help them present themselves well in social and professional interactions.
Conclusion
Good manners shape children into thoughtful, responsible individuals. By incorporating these values into daily life and reinforcing them with digital learning tools like Mintbook’s Digital Library and Mbox, the offline digital library, parents can help their children grow into respectful and well-mannered individuals. Start fostering these habits today and prepare your child for a future of meaningful and positive interactions
