8 Important Manners Parents Should Teach To Their Children

Kids these days. Have you noticed that more and more children are forgoing phrases like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me?” We all know that parenting isn’t easy. But one might argue that one of the most important things a parent can teach a child is to have manners. Whether your child is at home, at school, or on the playground, manners should always apply.

Here are eight manners every parent should teach their children:

1. Don’t Comment On Someone Else’s Physical Appearance

Kids have a habit of saying whatever pops into their head. While their candid conversation may be funny or sweet at times, it can also be hurtful. It’s important to teach your child to be accepting of others and to never comment on someone else’s physical appearance. Teach them that everyone is different, and that’s OK.

2. Say “Thank You”

This is a big one that unfortunately seems lost on many kids today. Teach your child to be grateful. Whether they receive a gift, a compliment or a helping hand, make sure they appreciate someone else’s kindness and are able to show their sincere gratitude.

3. Clean Up After Yourself

If you instill this lesson in your child when they’re young, you’ll be glad you did. Children who don’t clean up after themselves turn into messy, unorganized adults. Teaching your children to clean up after themselves will help them learn to be responsible, tidy and respectful of their surroundings.

4. Respect Your Elders

Teach your children to be kind, compassionate and considerate around their grandparents and other adults. This lesson will help them tremendously throughout their life. They’ll understand how important it is to be respectful to teachers, bosses and other authority figures.

5. Respect Other People’s Privacy And Personal Space

Privacy and personal space are important lessons that often get overlooked. Teach your kids to make room for other children on bus seats or park benches. Teach them to knock on doors before opening them and to respect other people enough not to pry into their personal lives.

6. Random Acts Of Kindness

Holding the door open for a stranger is one small act of kindness you can instill in your child. This one act can turn into many acts of kindness throughout their lifetime. Teach them how important it is to show kindness and compassion toward others, no matter their age, race, gender or religion. Teach them that even the simplest act of kindness can make someone else’s day.

7. Ask Others How They Are Feeling

Teach your children the importance of caring about others. Explain that a simple and genuine “how are you?” is a polite form of conversation. Make sure they understand that it’s not polite to only talk about themselves.

8. Address People By Name

One of the secrets to success might lie in addressing people by name. Not only will it help encourage successful business interactions for your child in the future, addressing people by their names shows that you respect them as an individual.