Kids
need to embrace good manners. If they
don’t they will be less respected, will find social interactions limited, and
put up walls toward success in life.
Here are five things your child must follow.
·
Use polite words
Words
like please, yes thank you, no thank you, I’m sorry, may I, hello, good-bye,
will be noticed in any interaction, any place, and with others of any age. There is no substitute for use of polite
words. They should become so natural
with your children that they use it without thinking. For this to happen you have to both model the
behavior consistently yourself and demand such behavior from your children at
home. Just like you teach your child to
brush their teeth, to take a bath and to eat, you have to teach it and expect
it.
·
Use appropriate
body language
Your
child must be taught that they are always communicating with others through
body stances and movements. Body
language can convey a bigger message than words. A simple eye roll at the same time a child
says, “yes, thank you,” reduces the polite words to pure rudeness. Arms crossed in front of the body when saying
“I’m sorry,” cancels any real meaning from the words. Children must be guided to understand how
this works. It must be pointed out to
your children how body language works.
·
Turn taking
Kids
need to learn how to take turns, that they don’t need to be first, and that
peace between themselves and others requires some thoughtful actions. Sharing what they have, being kind and trying
to see the world through another person’s perspective is the best way to
demonstrate respect, empathy, and find success in this world.
·
Personal care
Knowing
that care for the body can have a major effect on their relationships with
others is critical. Living, working and
playing with others requires a person to manage their own health, cleanliness,
and activity. It will make a difference
in their life if they take care of their bodies. Others will enjoy being in their presence and
they will function more effectively.
·
Personal actions
Children
learn early on that their actions can set the tone for successful
relationships. Eating and drinking in a
way that does not make others uncomfortable, maintaining an appropriate
personal space with others, and demonstrating responsibility for what you do or
don’t do is critical. Children can be
taught these significant underlying and basic skills.