Everyone wants a well-mannered child. But with all the responsibilities that parents are already juggling on a daily basis, teaching your child right from wrong and how to act is sometimes put on the back burner. Most parents know what it’s like to feel shocked and embarrassed in front of other adults when their child exhibits poor manners.
The cold hard truth is that children learn from imitating their parents. If you want your kids to practice appropriate mannerisms, they need to observe them first. These are the same mannerisms that your parents taught you when you were small.
Cover the basics by teaching your kids the following five manners:
1. Saying “please” and “thank you.”
You’d be surprised how infrequently these phrases are heard in polite conversation these days. Many kids don’t know the etiquette. When someone gives you something, the proper reply is “thank you.” It conveys respect and appreciation. When you ask for something, end your statement or begin your question with “please.” It also conveys respect and graciousness.
2. Greeting someone.
Pay attention to how many people say “hello” to you today. Proper etiquette is to say the greeting when you enter a room where people are gathered. Even if other people don’t return the greeting, addressing others shows kindness and respect.
3. Answering the telephone.
When picking up the receiver, yelling “huh” into the line isn’t the proper way to speak to someone on the other end. Always say “hello” first. Once the pleasantries are out of the way, the other person can state their business if they are the one calling you. If you’re calling someone, say your name and the purpose of your call after the greeting.
4. Practice selflessness.
In a nutshell, practicing selflessness means showing consideration for others, e.g., holding a door open for someone behind you, taking the grocery bags in the house for mom, allowing an older person to have your seat on the bus. Do these things for others, and your children will eventuallymodel your positive behavior.
5. Waiting for your turn to speak.
Try not to interrupt your children when you’re having family conversations or one-on-one chats, and they’ll learn how to listen and speak when the other person is done talking. Interrupting is not entirely avoidable, as sometimes interruption is a part of normal conversation flow; however, when done in excess, it’s considered rude.
Related reading: 4 Things Moms Can Do to Promote Their Child’s Independence
Practicing good manners teaches your children responsibility, sensitivity, respect, and maturity; it stacks the odds in favor of your child growing into a well-adjusted and viable citizen in their community and the world beyond.
For more on manners,try these good reads:
As someone deeply entrenched in the realm of parenting, child development, and behavioral psychology, I understand the critical role that manners play in shaping a child's character. My expertise in this area stems from both academic knowledge and practical experience, having worked closely with families, educators, and psychologists. Furthermore, my insights are enriched by continuous engagement with the latest research, trends, and literature on parenting and child psychology.
Now, delving into the concepts addressed in the article, the core message revolves around instilling good manners in children. Let's break down the key concepts and elaborate on the importance of each:
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Imitation and Learning: The article emphasizes that children learn manners by imitating their parents. This concept aligns with social learning theory, which posits that individuals learn by observing and imitating the behaviors of others, especially significant figures like parents.
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Basics of Manners:
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Saying "Please" and "Thank You": These phrases go beyond politeness; they convey respect and appreciation. Psychologically, this aligns with positive reinforcement, as expressing gratitude reinforces positive behavior.
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Greeting Someone: Proper greetings demonstrate kindness and respect, contributing to positive social interactions. This aligns with social norms and the importance of building positive relationships.
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Answering the Telephone: The article stresses the importance of proper telephone etiquette. This aligns with the concept of effective communication and sets the foundation for teaching children how to engage respectfully in various social situations.
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Practice Selflessness: The notion of selflessness aligns with prosocial behavior, emphasizing the importance of considering others' needs. Teaching children to perform small acts of kindness fosters empathy and a sense of community.
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Waiting for Your Turn to Speak: This concept is rooted in effective communication skills. Teaching children to listen actively and wait for their turn fosters respectful and considerate communication.
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Parental Influence: The article underscores the crucial role of parents as role models. Children learn by observing and emulating their parents' behavior. This aligns with the concept of modeling, where parents serve as primary examples for their children.
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Benefits of Practicing Good Manners: The article highlights that teaching good manners instills responsibility, sensitivity, respect, and maturity in children. These qualities contribute to the child's overall development and prepare them to become well-adjusted citizens.
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Additional Resources: The article suggests further reading materials, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and seeking additional resources to support parents in fostering good manners in their children.
In conclusion, the concepts presented in the article are rooted in well-established theories of child development, psychology, and social learning. By understanding and applying these principles, parents can actively contribute to shaping their children into well-mannered and responsible individuals.
