List of important manners for kids of all ages
Every toddler is bound to behave rudely or disrespectfully. It does not mean that they are rude or mean to insult you. They don’t realize that interrupting someone on a phone call is not right or talking over someone is bad manners.
Busy parents tend to overlook some bad manners. It’s not possible to teach them all the possible etiquette when they are at an innocent age. All of that comes with age and experience. But since that takes too long, here is a list of manners for kids for your child to start off with.
Here’s our list of must have manners that parents could help children develop.
1- Golden words
“Please,” “Thank you,” “May I,” “Excuse me,” and greetings such as “Good morning/afternoon/ night,” “hello,” “goodbye” etc. are essential golden words that your toddler should get a hang off- when it comes to meeting and responding to others.
2- Don’t Interrupt
Your toddler probably wants some attention directed to them and will go through any lengths to get it. Instill in your toddler that it is impolite and wrong to interrupt when someone is speaking or when grown-ups are talking-unless, there is an emergency.
3- Ask for Permission
Something sparkly, a creamy cupcake is on the table, or someone’s’ phone is buzzing are all ways in which your toddler can get attracted. In this way, without notifying an adult of their actions, they tend to grab objects that are not theirs. It’s essential to teach them that to use things that don’t belong to them, they must ask the permission of the owner first.
4- Never insult someone’s appearance
Toddlers have no filter. They will blurt out anything they observe no matter how insulting it is to the receiver. This will probably be a tricky one if multiple kids have the same opinion. Teach your toddler to never pick on anyone’s appearance or any characteristics. Instruct them that name-calling, teasing are not acceptable manners and that they are terms that could hurt someone.
Parents, you may also have to be cautious over what you speak in front of your toddler. Remember, what is disclosed in a house with a toddler, doesn’t usually stay in the house.
5- Knock doors
Just like they have no filter before they say something, they also have no idea what privacy means. It’s essential to teach them that before entering any closed door, knock first, wait for a response and then enter.
6-Foul language
Out of anger or frustration, a few cuss words tend to slip out. Even some of the movies, media content, tend to have expletive terms. While it is nearly impossible to shield your child from foul language, it is essential while teaching manners for kids that it must be made a rule to not use them at all. Whether in front of friends, family, or relatives.
7- Include everybody
When trying to teach the right behavior, make the teaching of manners for kids all-inclusive and applied to all members inside and outside the house. Kids can make friends very quickly. It’s very easy for them to form a circle and avoid those who cannot befriend one another easily. Teach your child to be inclusive and accept any friend that comes their way. Don’t gang up and push away people who are new or shy.
8- Help
Offer to help, agree to help a parent, an elderly, a friend. Tell them that when someone asks for a favor, to do it without grumbling and with a smile. Add an incentive (a candy bar or extra playtime) when they have helped someone out.
9-Hygiene
Toddlers have the habit of sneezing onto someone, nose digging, not washing hands, etc. It’s essential for their personal hygiene and the people around them that they cover their mouth when yawning or sneezing, visit the washroom and wash their hands when dirty, etc.
10- Maintain a room volume
Toddlers tend to get excited and resort to screaming/ raised voice. Nudge them to lower their volume when in the presence of people or friends. Have them practice breathing techniques at home, before conversing. This will not just keep their cool, but will also teach them to think before they speak.
These are just a few tips to start off with training your toddler in some manners. Have them practice these manners for kids at home, and soon you’ll find your toddler will become a well-behaved child.
Toddles for now and take care.