The Importance Of Teaching Kids Good Manners

Good Manners Will Open Doors That The Best Education Cannot.” – Clarence Thomas

As society evolves, many things change, including social norms and societal beliefs. One thing though
that will never change is what makes up good manners and etiquette, and its importance. Equip your
children with this knowledge and it will do them a lifetime of good.

Having good manners also allows a child to get along well with others, which is vital for his future
success. The child will perform better in life when he is well-liked by others and people find it a pleasure
to be with him.

As a child starts to form his social circles and continuously expands his circle of friends, the many
interactions make it important for the child to cultivate the appropriate manners and build the
awareness of others and respect for others

The following are essential manners that children should be taught from a young age:

1. Polite Words
It is never too early to introduce polite words such as ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘excuse me’ to a child
even if he is just a tot. When a child hears these polite words often enough, he will naturally pick up the
words and learn to use them as well. Polite words will never be overused and it makes your child a nice
young gentleman or lady.

2. Good Behaviour
Good words come with good behaviours, such as queuing in line, not interrupting when others are
speaking, giving up seats for others who need it more than you and holding the door for others. The
above are essential manners we need to instil in our children at a young age to allow them to become
good habits that they keep for life.

3. Respect for Others

Respect is a way of showing care and consideration for people, animals, places and things. How we treat
people often determines how others will treat us. If we are considerate and respectful, it is easier to get
along with one another. Teach your child the golden rule of great respect early in his development.

4. Personal Grooming
Share with your child the need to maintain good hygiene and dress appropriately for the right occasion.
Brushing teeth at least twice a day and washing hands before every meal are examples of good hygiene
that will, in turn, cultivate good habits and behaviours.

5. Poised Table Manners

Children have the natural tendency to eat in an unsightly manner, especially if they have just started
learning how to use utensils. As parents, we need to provide the proper guidance and show our children
how they can take their meals without making a mess. Good table manners are essential for every
individual and are best learned from young.
Before a child starts picking up any unhealthy behaviours or showing any signs of poor manners, equip
them with the right manners and behaviours and make it a habit for them to practice so every day. The
best teacher to good manners is you, the parent. Be a good role model to your child by being a well-
mannered parent and your child will do the same.
10 Reasons All Children Need Good Manners

You have ignored me, rolled your eyes at me and thrown up your arms in protest as you insist that the
world has changed and that manners, etiquette and thank you notes are from a bygone era. You are
young and you are wrong. The way we communicate has transformed and, all the more because of that,
gracious behavior, the kind that shows consideration and thoughtfulness towards others is important.

So, put your phones down, close your laptops and for god sake get off snapchat while I offer you a few
reminders.

1. Manners suggest gratitude rather than entitlement. The rap on your generation is pretty bad, don’t
prove us right. You can still be lazy and undirected, you can live in our basements and forestall
adulthood, but if you appear gracious and grateful, much will be forgiven.

2. Manners are even more important in a world that is neglecting them. Standing out from the crowd
is a good thing. Making eye contact, shaking hands, giving proper deference, offering assistance
and putting your phone away at the dinner table are still appreciated, if sometimes neglected, habits.

3. You have seconds to make a good impression. We meet hundreds or thousands of people in our
lives though most of those meetings are brief and superficial. A decent haircut, clean face, genuine smile
and good manners will all be noticed. Don’t make me remind you to wash your face.

4. Manners still reflect on your family and what your parents and teachers taught you. Don’t make me
look bad.

5. Manners may have changed but people haven’t and being appreciated will never, ever go out of
style. I have yet to meet a single person of either gender, from any nation, of any age who does not like
to be appreciated. You may meet someone who breaks this rule, but until then, remember your
manners and thank people.

6. Someday, somewhere you may want something from someone. Manners and proper etiquette are
like good will in the bank when you go to make a withdrawal. Wanting something in return is NOT a
reason to use good manners, but sometime in life you may need to call on another’s kindness and it will
help if you have been polite.

7. A great many adults have done some pretty wonderful things for you. Grandparents, aunts, uncles,
friends and teachers have all given of themselves to improve your life. Do not disrespect them by failing
to use good manners.

8. In your early childhood you were taught at school to show adults respect, to answer questions
either “yes, please” or “no, thank you” and to send handwritten thank-you notes. There is no excuse
for forgetting all that your teachers drilled into you.
9. Manners are even more important in a world where relationships may never involve eye
contact. We meet people online or by email every day. They will never see our faces or hear our voices.
Our words will need to say who we are; choose them wisely.

10. Manners are something that people will remember about you, even if they don’t
remember what they remember.Manners make an impression and while someone may not recall why
they thought well of you (or badly, if you have ignored this) it may have been your courtesy. Don’t take a
risk, remember what you have been taught.