Manners Kids Should Know

Kids get noticed all the time. Lots of times it is for the wrong reasons. The child may not know that his behavior is disconcerting or just plain irritating to those around him. From interrupting to picking their noses and commenting on some visual detail of a passerby, children just don’t have a handle on proper etiquette and consideration for others when they are pre-kindergartners. And when both parents are working, they may not have much time to focus on introducing these concepts. You can help by introducing a simple set of manners that give the children in your center the basis for building good etiquette. Parents will delight in seeing this blossom in their children. And it will get the children in your center noticed for the right reason: being impressively well-mannered.

Take a look at a very informative slide show on Parents.com entitled “The 25 Manners Kids Should Know” for the list and accompanying pictures. These actions may seem small to many of us. We hardly have to think of doing them. But we only do these things automatically because someone showed us how to behave politely at an early age.

Here is the list of manners:

1. Say “Please”.
2. Say “Thank you”.
3. Don’t interrupt.
4. Say excuse me when you need to get someone’s attention.
5. When you have doubts, ask permission.
6. Keep negative opinions to yourself.
7. Don’t comment on the physical characteristics of others unless your comments are positive.
8. When people ask how you are, answer them and then ask how they are.
9. When you have spent time at a friend’s house, thank them for having you over.
10. When a door is closed, knock and wait on a response before entering.
11. When you make a phone call, first introduce yourself and then ask for the person you want to speak with.
12. Be appreciative for any gift you receive and thank the giver – even with a hand-written note.
13. Don’t use foul language in front of adults.
14. Don’t call people mean names.
15. Don’t make fun of anyone for any reason.
16. Even if you’re attending something that is boring, sit patiently and quietly and act interested.
17. If you bump into someone, say “Excuse me”.
18. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and don’t pick your nose in public.
19. When walking through a door, see if there is someone you should hold the door for.
20. If you see an adult doing something, ask if you can help.
21. When an adult asks you to do something, do it without grumbling.
22. When someone helps you, say “Thank you”.
23. Use eating utensils properly.
24. Keep a napkin on your lap and use it to wipe your mouth.
25. Don’t reach for things at the dinner table, but ask to have them passed.

This list may be a good review for adults too! Some of us could be slipping in the etiquette department. And our actions are the examples that will reinforce the introduction of manners for children.

Resource: Parents.com