8 Traditional Manners To Teach Children
September 14, 2018
source: Today / Shutterstock
In today’s day and age, it seems like much of parenting revolves around handing your child the latest gadget or piece of technology in order to make them happy and keep them quiet. As a result, many parents forget the importance of instilling basic, traditional manners in their children. Here are 8 manners that are so often forgotten, but should be taught to every child.
1. Please And Thank You
This seems like such a simple task, yet so many children think nothing of saying please and thank you. Teach your child that when asking for or receiving something, saying please and thank you is always important.
2. Chew With Your Mouth Closed
It astonishes me at how many adults I know who don’t chew with their mouths closed. From early on, children should always be reminded to chew with their mouths closed. No one wants to see the food in someone’s mouth, no matter their age.
3. Don’t Speak And Chew
On the topic of eating, children should be taught to never speak with their mouths full. Not only is it a choking hazard, but it’s also just impolite.
4. Don’t Interrupt
When your child is trying to get your attention, they tend to do anything to get it. This includes interrupting a conversation. Teach your child not to interrupt when others are talking, and to say excuse me if they would like to get your attention about something.
5. Meal Etiquette
In order to raise helpful teenagers, children need to be taught about meal etiquette from an early age. If they have finished their meal, they should ask if it’s alright to be excused. Additionally, children should be in the habit of clearing their dishes from the table and helping to wash dishes or load the dishwasher when they are old enough.
6. Elbows Off
And on the topic of meal etiquette, children should practice eating with their elbows off the table. If they get in the habit of eating with their elbows off the table at home, they’ll be sure to do the same when dining elsewhere.
7. Remove Shoes
Regardless of the home owner’s rules or preference, children should be taught to always remove their shoes when entering someone’s home. It shows that they are polite and respectful of other people’s spaces.
8. Excuse Me
Saying excuse me is part of a basic set of manners. Whether your child accidentally runs into someone, or they’re trying to move past someone, saying excuse me is always the best course of action.