Many people believe that basic manners may not be as important. They believe it doesn’t matter what you say or how you say it as long as you have the best intentions.

Though a person’s intentions are always the most important, good manners and etiquette are crucial. It helps people convey their message and reflect the kindness and good intentions they feel inside. Many parents read books like Mariana’s Little Book of Manners for Children to their children. These encourage children to have good manners. And once they understand why these are essential, here are some examples to model for proper conduct.

Polite words

The basic use of “Please,” “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “Excuse me” is one of the basic manners they must learn. The likes are some words that you should teach your child as a sign of respect to those around them. Teaching them when to use these would often be tricky, especially if it is their first time using these words. However, with the practice, children will get used to it.

If your child can already model those, then using the phrase “May I” will be useful. This would also be a good thing to do when requesting to do something from others. For example, they should know that if someone asks them, “How are you?” they should respond with how they feel. They can also add the question,” How about you?”  

Waiting for their Turn to Speak

There’s nothing ruder than someone overlapping over a person already talking. Because of that, you must teach your kids to listen to whoever is speaking as basic manners. And they must wait for their turn to speak before saying anything. Though you need to teach them to speak up in an emergency, teaching them not to interrupt conversations is vital.

Using Mr. and Ms.

When addressing their relatives or someone’s parents, they should call them by Mr. and Ms., followed by their family names. It may seem old school, but it is one of the most respectful ways to address someone older than them, especially if they are meeting for the first time. 

Phone Etiquette

Most children, especially the younger generation, often use cell phones. Since it is very convenient for them to use since they can call their parents and friends, they must learn basic phone etiquette. Parents need to reinforce this every time kids are on the phone.

A greeting like “Hello,” “Good morning,” or” Good afternoon” should be said when they pick up the phone, and introducing themselves properly after should be done if it is their first time calling a specific number. They should also learn to say “Goodbye” and “Thank you” when the conversation ends.

Table manners

Families must observe basic table manners when eating. Basic rules like eating with the mouth closed, not talking while eating, not overstuffing the mouth when eating, and the like should be enforced even at home to carry this out when they eat with other people. Some families and cultures may add more table rules depending on traditions, like waiting for someone older to start eating before children can eat.

Playdates

When visiting someone else’s house, they should be taught to behave and to follow the rules of their friend’s parents, even if they are different from the house rules they have at home. Your child must know how to clean up after themselves in the house, especially after using the bathroom, and avoid making a mess or causing a stir in their friend’s house. 

Bathroom Etiquette

Young children often go to the bathroom with their parents. However, basic etiquette should be taught and practiced early on as they get older. It is common for both sexes to flush after use, clean up if they made any spills while urinating, and wash their hands before exiting the bathroom. 

Other things that should be taught are boys, teaching them to put the lid back down after use, and girls. They should be taught to sit properly on the seat. They should also be taught to throw their tissues in the trash bin and avoid making a mess or splashing everywhere after washing their hands.