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.
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.
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.
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