Good manners are crucial life skills your kid should hone, and it is never too early to teach them its importance. Starting at a young age is essential as they can easily soak habits. They remember what you teach with clarity and absorb information much faster than they would at later stages.
Hence, to help you raise a polite kid, we bring you a list of 14 good manners that you should teach them.
List of 14 Good Manners To Teach Your Kids
- Saying Please & Thank You
The words ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ show gratitude for the things others do for you. Explain to them the importance of saying those words and teach them when to use it. You need to instill these in your child when young and put them into practice daily, so it comes naturally to them.
- Being Polite & Helpful
Learning how to be polite and helpful to others should become a habit for kids. It helps them become well-liked by others. To make your child polite, you can teach them to hold doors for others when their hands are full or help their elders in household chores.
- Learning How to Apologise
Apologising shows empathy and indicates that you are taking responsibility for your actions. Teach your child when to say ‘sorry’ and not use it casually.
- Greeting People
Even if your child is shy or cranky, you need to instill the basic manner of greeting people. It strengthens their social skills and creates a positive first impression. A polite ‘hello’ also shows the person that you care about them and is an effective way of checking in with loved ones.
- Knocking Before Entering
You need to teach your kids that everyone’s privacy is important. Tell them the importance of a respectful knock on the door before entering.
- Respecting Elders
Teach your child the importance of respecting their parents, grandparents, teachers, and other adults. One way to get started with it is by always serving them food before the kids or giving up a public transport seat to an elder.
- Washing Hands Before Meals
Handwashing before meals is a healthy habit to follow. Kids come in contact with several germs daily. Hence, properly washing hands before any meal is vital to killing prevailing germs and preventing various illnesses.
- Avoiding Bad Language
Using foul language for anybody is unpleasant and disrespectful. If your child hears it through television, explain why it is not okay to use such language.
- Not Talking In-between
No matter how impatient your child is, you should never allow them to speak in between when adults are talking as it is disrespectful.
- Not Making Fun of People
They should know that it is never okay to make fun of anyone, as it is highly disrespectful and hurtful. If not taught early, your kids will think it is okay to make fun of people.
- Being Kind to People With Disabilities
Kids are naturally curious. They will stand and stare, ask questions, and even get scared when they see someone completely different from them. It is up to you to teach them that people with disabilities are not bad and deserve to be treated like everyone else.
- Maintaining Eye Contact While Talking
Establishing eye contact while talking to others shows confidence and respect. Spend quality time teaching your child the art of eye contact. You can do this by maintaining eye contact while talking with them.
- Being Honest
Honesty is the best policy. Your child will learn this value when you show them yourself. Instead of making empty promises, sit down with them and tell them the importance of honesty. Developing good morals in your child is necessary from a young age.
- Learning To Share
Sharing is essential for your child when they play with other children. Teach them to share food and toys at a young age. One way to do it is by being a good example and incorporating the act of sharing when you are with your kids.
Conclusion
Good manners are the basic elements to instill into your child and make them a better human being. With this list of good manners, your child will find it easy to get along with people, succeed in their school, and develop good relationships with people around them.
