MANNERS

                                                                  MANNERS

Many adults comment at one time or another that today's youth lack manners. Parents can turn this issue around by taking more time to be purposeful about teaching children manners, whether they are at home, in public or a guest in somebody's home. Not only will parents benefit from having well-behaved children, but these manners will pay off when these children grow up and go out into the community as adults with manners.

                                                                   

 Table Manners for Kids

Kids can use manners at the table.

In this eat-on-the-run society, table manners have gone by the wayside. At some point, children sit down at a table at home or in a restaurant, so it is important to instill good table manners. Teach kids to ask for things to be passed instead of reaching, to converse on topics that are appropriate, and to compliment the chef. According to Family Education in "Table Manners for Kids and Parents," kids should also remember to leave their toys and books away from the table, and to say "excuse me" when leaving the table

Play-Date Manners

Kids will get along well with others when they use good manners.

Children often get together to play at one of their houses, and it is important to teach your child to treat his friends well. When he has a friend over, he should do whatever activity the friend would like to do first, and take turns when playing with toys.

According to Scholastic in "Play date Manners," when a child goes to a friend's house, remind him to pick up anything he has played with, and to thank his friend as well as his parents for inviting him over.

Phone Manners in Children 

Kids should learn how to speak politely on the phone.

It is important that children know that the world does not revolve around them, and when someone else is having a conversation on the phone they need to avoid interrupting if it isn't an emergency. Teach children they can tap you on the shoulder if they have an urgent need, but they may not talk when you are talking.
When children are old enough to start using the phone themselves, give them the lines they need to use for answering the phone. In "Teaching Your Kids Proper Telephone Manners," Families.com suggests the children answer with "Hello, may I ask who's calling?" In the same way, when the child calls a friend they should say "Hello, this is ____. May I please speak to ______?"

General Manners

Children should use please and thank-yous with other children and adults.

In general, parents can teach and model general manners to be used at home and in public. Using simple words such as "please," "thank you," and "you're welcome" make the world a better place.
Children should be reminded to look at the person they are speaking to, adults included. Having a general respect for others and their feelings will usually result in children who make good choices when it comes to manners.