10 Essential Manners All Parents Should Teach Their Children

"From a young age, children are taught the importance of polite communication. Instilling these manners and etiquette early on is vital as it lays the foundation for their future character development. It is a fundamental aspect of shaping who they become as individuals."

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Here are 10 essential manners that parents should teach their children:

1. Teach your child the importance of saying ‘please’, ‘thank you’, and ‘sorry’

The old saying goes, “Words cost nothing but can mean everything.” These simple phrases hold so much power in our daily interactions. ‘Please’ when asking for help, ‘thank you’ after receiving assistance, and ‘sorry’ when we’ve made a mistake, are all essential to teaching children respect and empathy.

Teaching children the power of ‘please’, ‘thank you’, and ‘sorry’ (Illustration)

While these phrases may seem simple, they are often overlooked. In reality, they are one of the most basic ways to show respect to others. Parents should encourage their children to use these phrases in various contexts to help them understand the difference between right and wrong and to learn how to respect others.

2. Teach your child not to comment on or criticize others’ appearance

Everyone is unique, and not everyone is blessed with conventional beauty. However, this does not give anyone the right to criticize or mock others’ appearance. Doing so can create body image issues and encourage the child to judge others based on their looks.

From a young age, parents should teach their children to refrain from commenting on others’ appearances to prevent the development of such negative habits.

3. Teach your child not to point or stare at others

Pointing or staring at someone while talking can make them feel uncomfortable. Young children may not understand this, so parents should help them experience this feeling themselves. By doing so, they will understand how unpleasant it feels and will be less likely to do it in the future.

4. Teach your child not to interrupt others when they are speaking

Interrupting someone is considered extremely rude and is especially unacceptable when a child interrupts an adult. Parents should teach their children to wait for their turn to speak and, if they must interrupt, to politely ask for permission to share their thoughts.

5. Teach your child how to answer the phone appropriately

With phones being so prevalent today, it’s common for children to answer calls when their parents are unavailable. Parents should teach their children to answer the phone politely, especially when the caller is an elder. A simple “Alo?” or “Hello, this is [name]. May I ask who’s calling, please?” are good ways to start.

6. Teach your child how to introduce themselves

Children should learn how to introduce themselves confidently from a young age. This skill will help them in school when they have to introduce themselves to their classmates and teachers. Parents should teach their children to make eye contact, smile, and share basic information like their name, age, and interests.

7. Teach your child to knock or ask before entering a room

Everyone deserves privacy, including children. Parents should teach their children to knock or ask for permission before entering someone’s room, whether at home or elsewhere. This shows respect for personal space.

Teaching children to knock or ask before entering a room (Illustration)

8. Teach your child to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing

This basic manner is often overlooked by parents. Coughing or sneezing without covering your mouth can spread germs and cause discomfort to those around you, especially in crowded places. Parents should teach their children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.

9. Teach your child not to chew with their mouth open

Many parents don’t pay attention to this, but chewing with your mouth open can be off-putting to those around you. If not addressed early, it can become a hard-to-break habit. Parents should teach their children to chew with their mouths closed to show respect and consideration for others.

10. Teach your child to clean up after eating

Even young children should be taught to clean up after themselves. This is a basic manner and a way for children to show their politeness and respect. Initially, this can be as simple as teaching them to put their plates and utensils away after a meal.

Frequently asked questions

Good manners are essential for children as they grow up and interact with others. They help foster respect, kindness, and consideration for others, leading to better social skills and relationships. Teaching manners also helps children develop self-discipline, empathy, and a sense of responsibility.

Some fundamental table manners that parents should instill in their children include using utensils properly, chewing with their mouth closed, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, waiting for everyone to be served before eating, and excusing themselves from the table when necessary.

Parents can promote good hygiene by setting a good example themselves. Teach them the importance of regular bathing, brushing their teeth twice a day, washing their hands before meals and after using the restroom, and covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Parents can instill respect in their children by modeling respectful behavior themselves. Teach them to use polite language, address people by their preferred titles and names, listen without interrupting, and show kindness and empathy toward others.

Teaching children conflict resolution skills helps them navigate social interactions and build healthy relationships. Encourage them to use ‘I’ statements to express their feelings, listen to others’ perspectives, find compromises, and seek help from an adult if needed.
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