Introduction:
The socially acceptable actions and standards that control interpersonal interactions within a community are referred to as manners. Body language, verbal communication, and general demeanor are all included in the broad category of behaviors that make up manners. Cultural influences, upbringing, and socialization frequently pick up and strengthen them. Certain universal principles of courtesy and respect tend to transcend cultural boundaries, even though specific manners may differ across societies and cultures.
What Are the Basic Manners to Teach Children?
- Teach Them to Say Kind Words Like - Please and Thank You:
Teach children to say please when asking for something or requesting something. Teach them to say thank you. For example, when the kid's friend has shared the toys with the child, teach the child to say thank you. To build good manners in a child, try to use kind words like welcome, thank you, please, and sorry when needed. Be polite. Children notice the behavior of parents and imitate them. Be a role model for the child.
- Teach Them to Share:
Teach children how to share. If a child does not learn the art of sharing, in the long run, the kid might learn to be selfish. Kids can share simple things like toys. Parents can even add one extra bread or some more vegetables in their child's lunchbox for their friends too.
- Teach the Child Not to Interrupt When Others Are Speaking and Let Them Complete Speaking First:
Parents might often get angry when having an in-depth conversation with a friend, and the kid is always talking in the middle. Parents can politely teach kids to say kind words like excuse me and correct the child gently in private. This makes the child feel important and learn something from it, and next time the kid will wait until elders complete speaking to others.
- Teach the Child to Speak Politely Outside:
When parents notice the child speaking too loudly, make the kid understand that speaking too loudly might lead to noise pollution and that some people might get disturbed. Teach the kid that speaking softly and politely sounds like music to the ears. Parents must also be polite with others because children are silent observers.
- Teach the Child to Help Others:
Always teach the child the good value of helping others. Parents can show their kids to assist them in minor household chores like cleaning the house and filling the toys or even giving their child's grandparents a glass of water when they ask for it.
- Teach Them to Ask Permission:
Asking permission from the parents or other elders to do something is good manners. Teach them to ask permission when they doubt something. Before taking some things from their friends like books, pencils, or toys, ask them to get permission first.
- Do Not Remark on Appearance:
Kids tend to make inappropriate comments when they do something different or unusual. They might not mean anything, just blurting out. This can create an uncomfortable situation for others. So the kids need to teach them not to make comments about other people's physical appearance. Make them understand that every person is unique and respect everyone.
- Teach Them to Respect People:
Respect towards other people like elders, friends, and parents is the basis of good manners. Parents should act as role models for the kids, showing respect to each other in the home itself. Be sensitive towards others and it can improve the communication between people.
- Parents Should Set as a Role Model:
The best way to teach the kids good manners is to be a role model for the kids. At a young age, kids try to copy everything and will look to their parents for everything. They might imitate their parents. So parents have an important role in nurturing good manners in their kids.
- Do Not Force the Kids:
Parents always expect their kids to be the best and well-mannered. Always remember kids have their boundaries and should be respected. Do not force the children into something they do not want to do. Teach them how to say ‘No’ in various situations. Allow them to go as an individual, with self-respect and dignity.
- Correct the Children Politely:
There are various situations where the child will be showing some inappropriate behavior. It is better to talk to the child and correct them at the time itself. Do not shout at them, make them understand the situation, and try to correct them. Also, give them a chance to behave nicely later. Parents can convince the child by talking to them and creating a bond with the child. Thus the child will listen to the parents and will act accordingly.
What Are the Good Manners to Be Practiced at Home?
One of the main jobs parents have is to teach their children good habits. Showing manners is an important role. Kids must be taught the below good habits for their well-being.
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Make them brush twice a day.
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Make them bathe every day.
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Teach the importance of hygiene.
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Indulge in regular physical activity.
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Make them knock on the closed doors before coming inside.
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Ask them to respect the elders.
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Teach them to be calm and composed.
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Ask them to have a healthy meal.
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Give them practice to read.
What Are the Different Ways to Communicate With the Kids?
- Teach Some Good Manners by Reading Story Books: Kids love stories with animals as characters and this can influence them easily. So bedtime stories have an important role and make it easy to make them learn manners.
- Watching Good Television Shows: Kids love to watch television and allows them to watch shows with some moral values rather than making them addicted to television.
- Give the Kids Time to Talk: Parents need to develop good bonds with their children, and then only they will listen to what the parents are telling them. Listen to the kids and prioritize them.
- Dealing With Essential People: Good manners should begin with families, make a list of essential people, and teach them how to behave with them.
- Appreciate Them for Doing Good Manners: Kids will love to do good things when they are noticed and appreciated.
- Make Time to Communicate With Friends and Family: Proper communication is an important part of developing good manners. Make time with friends and family to socialize. Make them confident and encourage them to do more. Boost the confidence level of the kids.
- Exposure to Good Life Situations: Where they can learn and understand how to deal with the scenario. If they need any help, guide them properly.
Conclusion:
Teaching good manners to kids at a younger age is important. It helps them to develop good habits and lead a good social life. Parents have an important role in developing good manners and social skills. Be gentle and kind to the kids and make them understand different manners and life situations.