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10 Essential Good Manners Every Kid Should Learn

Good manners are the foundation of a child's character. A child who is polite, respectful, and well-behaved is instantly loved by teachers, relatives, and friends. Teaching good manners should start at a very young age. Here are the most essential manners every child must learn.

Question (Click to Flip)

At what age should parents start teaching manners?

Answer

You can start as early as 2 years old. As soon as a child learns to speak, they should be taught to say 'Please' when asking for milk or a toy.

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Key Facts

Children do not learn manners by reading books; they learn by 'mimicking' (copying). If parents aggressively yell at waiters in a restaurant, the child will grow up doing the exact same thing.

Polite children are statistically proven to have an easier time making friends at school and are bullied significantly less.

1. The Three Magic Words

Every child must be completely hardwired to use these three words daily:

  • Please: Always use 'Please' when asking for something (e.g., "Please give me the toy"). It changes a harsh demand into a polite request.
  • Thank You: Always say 'Thank You' when someone helps you, gives you a gift, or serves you food. It shows gratitude.
  • Sorry: If you make a mistake, break something, or hurt someone, immediately look them in the eye and say 'I am sorry'. Never try to hide a mistake.

2. Manners when Speaking

  • Do not Interrupt: If two adults are talking, a child should never shout over them to get attention. They should wait quietly or say "Excuse me" if it is an absolute emergency.
  • Use Respectful Titles: When talking to adults, use titles like 'Sir', 'Ma'am', 'Uncle', or 'Auntie' instead of calling them by their first name.
  • Inside Voice: Do not scream or shout when sitting inside a house, a restaurant, or a classroom.

3. Table Manners (While Eating)

  • Wash Hands: Always wash your hands with soap before touching food.
  • Chew with your mouth closed: Nobody wants to see the food rolling around inside your mouth. Also, never talk while your mouth is full of food.
  • Ask to be excused: When you finish eating, do not just run away from the table. Ask the elders, "May I please be excused?" before leaving.

4. Social Etiquette

  • Cover your Mouth: Always cover your mouth with your elbow or a handkerchief when you cough or sneeze so you don't spread germs to others.
  • Knock on Doors: Never burst into a closed room (like a bathroom or parent's bedroom). Always knock and wait for permission to enter.
  • Share your things: When playing with other children, be generous. Do not snatch toys; learn to share and take turns.

Questions and Answers

At what age should parents start teaching manners?+

You can start as early as 2 years old. As soon as a child learns to speak, they should be taught to say 'Please' when asking for milk or a toy.

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