Health & Life

“Etiquette for Kids: Visiting a Friend’s House”

"It's always fun to have little guests over, and their parents appreciate a safe and welcoming environment. Before your child visits a friend's home, it's important to ensure they understand the following rules to maintain good manners and safety."

Administrator

20 July, 2024

It’s important for children to have friends their age, whether it’s at school or in the neighborhood. After school hours, children often visit their friends’ homes to play, study, or even spend the night. Before allowing your child to visit a friend’s house, here are some essential rules to teach them for their safety and polite behavior.

14 Rules Your Child Should Follow Before Visiting a Friend

Before your child heads out to a friend’s place, make sure you’ve communicated these four rules and that they understand them:

Inform you or a trusted adult about their whereabouts and expected return time. Not knowing your child’s location or whom they’re with can cause unnecessary worry.
Stay away from restricted and dangerous areas such as deep water bodies, construction sites, etc.
Return home at the agreed-upon time. If they’re going to be late, they should call and let you know.
Bring necessary personal items if they plan to spend the night, such as a toothbrush, pajamas, and a change of clothes.

4 Rules for Your Child’s Safety

2Things to Remember When Visiting a Friend’s House

It’s equally important to teach your child some basic manners when they’re visiting a friend’s home. Here are a few specific things to remember:

Greet the adults present. When your child arrives at their friend’s house, they should greet the adults clearly and look them in the eye when saying hello.
Keep their shoes tidy and in the designated area. This shows respect for the host’s home.
Don’t touch anything that doesn’t belong to you without permission. This includes entering another person’s room without asking first.
Avoid demanding snacks. If they’re thirsty, they can politely ask, “May I please have a glass of water?”
Express gratitude when given something. Your child should thank the adult and also let you know about the gift or treat when they return home.
Tidy up after themselves. Before leaving, they should put away any toys or games they played with.
Say goodbye to the adults before departing.

Manners to Remember When Visiting a Friend’s House

34 Things Your Child Should Keep in Mind if Spending the Night

If your child plans to spend the night at a friend’s house, there are a few additional things they should keep in mind:

Get permission from both your family and the host family. Your child should understand that spending the night at a friend’s place is a privilege that requires consent from both sets of parents.
Follow the host family’s rules. Each family has its own set of rules. For example, the host family may have a rule that children must be in bed by 11:00 PM. Your child should respect and follow these rules.
Inform you about any items they bring. There may be certain items your child wants to bring, such as a favorite stuffed animal or a special blanket. Make sure you’re aware of what they’re taking.
Keep noise levels down and avoid excessive excitement. Remember, there are adults in the house who may be disturbed by loud laughter or shouting.

Sleepover Etiquette for Your Child

By teaching your child these rules and manners, you’re equipping them with the tools they need to stay safe and be respectful. These guidelines will help foster good relationships with friends and their families.

Source: Literary Arts Times

Frequently asked questions

Kids should always remember their manners when visiting a friend’s house. Some key etiquette includes greeting the host politely, offering a small gift, removing shoes at the door if that is the custom, and always saying please and thank you. During the visit, kids should be respectful of their friend’s belongings and ask for permission before touching or using anything. It’s also important to be mindful of mealtimes and not be picky or wasteful with food. Lastly, remember to say goodbye politely and thank the hosts for their hospitality.

Parents play a crucial role in teaching their kids about good manners. Start by setting a good example yourself and practicing polite behaviors at home. Explain to your kids the importance of manners and how it makes others feel valued and respected. Role-play different scenarios they might encounter at a friend’s house, such as meeting the parents or sharing toys. Teach them basic etiquette, such as knocking before entering a room, covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and cleaning up after themselves. Lastly, don’t forget to praise your kids when they demonstrate good manners to encourage them to continue practicing.

When playing with toys at a friend’s house, kids should always ask for permission first and respect their friend’s belongings. It’s important to handle the toys with care and not break or damage them. If using art supplies, make sure to clean up any mess and return the supplies to where they found them. It’s also a nice gesture to offer to share their toys with their friends. Most importantly, remember to have fun and be considerate of others’ feelings during playtime.

Mealtimes can be a tricky situation for kids when visiting a friend’s house. It’s important to remember their manners and be respectful of the host’s food and mealtime routines. Always say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when being offered food, and try a little bit of everything. Don’t be picky or wasteful, and avoid making negative comments about the food. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure to inform the hosts beforehand. Remember to chew with your mouth closed and use polite conversation during the meal.

Showing gratitude is an important part of visiting a friend’s house. After the visit, kids should always thank the hosts for their hospitality and the fun time they had. They can also offer to help clean up after a meal or before leaving. Sending a handwritten thank-you note or a small gift is a thoughtful way to express their appreciation. Lastly, return the favor by inviting their friend over to their house for a playdate or another fun activity.