Manners are a fundamental aspect of social interactions and play an essential role in creating a polite, respectful, and considerate society.
Children who learn manners from their parents from a young age are better equipped to navigate various social situations and build positive relationships with others.
Teaching children manners is not just about teaching them to follow rules. It is also about helping them develop empathy, compassion, and kindness towards others.
Hence, this article focuses on some of the forgotten manners parents should teach their children.
Saying “please” and “thank you”: This simple act of using polite language when requesting or receiving something shows respect for others and gratitude for what has been given.
Holding the door open for others: This act of courtesy shows respect and consideration for others, especially the elderly, the disabled, or those with their hands full.
Covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing: This is a basic hygiene practice that helps prevent the spread of germs and demonstrates respect for others’ health.
Offering to help others in need: This is a vital trait of a kind and caring individual. Teaching children to lend a helping hand, even to strangers, is an important lesson in empathy and compassion.
Using a napkin and not eating with one’s mouth open: Table manners are an important aspect of socialization, and teaching children how to behave at the dinner table is essential.
Waiting one’s turn to speak or be served: This is an essential lesson in patience, respect, and self-control. Children who learn this skill are less likely to interrupt others or throw tantrums when they do not get what they want.
Saying “excuse me” when interrupting or when passing in front of someone: This is a simple yet effective way of showing respect for others’ personal space and time.
Asking for permission before borrowing or using someone else’s property: This teaches children the importance of respecting others’ possessions and privacy.
Not interrupting others while they are speaking: Interrupting others when they speak is considered impolite and can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings.
Using polite and respectful language when speaking to others: The way we speak to others can affect how they perceive us. Teaching children to speak respectfully and use appropriate language is a valuable lesson in communication.
Respecting personal space and boundaries: This is an important lesson in socialization, teaching children to be mindful of others’ physical and emotional boundaries.
Saying “sorry” when one makes a mistake or accidentally hurts someone: Apologizing is an essential skill that shows humility and respect for others.
Keeping one’s phone or electronic devices off the table during meals or conversations: This shows respect and attention to the people one is with, and helps create a distraction-free environment.
Giving up one’s seat to elders, pregnant women or people with disabilities: This is a polite gesture that shows respect and kindness to those who may need it.
Saying “goodbye” when leaving a social gathering: This is a simple but meaningful way of showing gratitude and respect to the host and other guests.
Making eye contact when speaking with others: This is an important non-verbal communication skill that shows interest and respect for the other person.
Writing thank-you notes after receiving gifts or favors: This is an essential aspect of showing gratitude and respect for others and can leave a lasting impression.
In conclusion, teaching children manners is essential for their personal growth, socialization, and building positive relationships with others.
As parents, it is your responsibility to instill these forgotten manners in your children from a young age.
Basic manners like saying “please” and “thank you,” holding doors open, and using polite language can go a long way in creating a respectful and considerate society.
Additionally, these manners create a positive impact on the people around us and can help us in our personal and professional lives.
Therefore, parents should make a conscious effort to teach their children these manners and lead by example, ensuring that our future generations continue to display respect, kindness, and consideration towards others.
