Helping Children with Manners

tact are constantly changing from one century or one generation to the next. For example, a handshake originally was meant to show that men were not carrying a make or dagger in their hands. Men still tip their hats because once knights in armor lift the visors of their helmets to show their faces. And it wasnt excessively many years ago that a man almost always got up in a crowded bus and gave his seat to a woman. Nevertheless, certain tact do stretch out from one decade to the next, and this is because manners make life easier for everybody.There are three important ideas foot the good manners we use today custom, consideration, and mutual sense. Custom is the habit of doing certain things like vibe hands and tipping hats mentioned above. Consideration is the most important idea behind all good manners. Almost always, world considerate is being well-mannered. Consideration is simply thinking almost the way the other person feels. universe rude to soul are bad manners, not because a book says so, but because it causes hurt feelings. n earlier all good manners have in element of common sense. If you are standing in the rear of a crowded elevator, its neither reasonable-nor good manners-to try pushing your way to the front so you can get out first.These are the basic ideas we want to teach our children when we are trying to bring good manners-simple kindness, consideration, and common sense. The following suggestions written for and directed to children may give some added authority in the matter of what is common courtesy and what is not.Manners at HomeHome is where you learn to get along with people. Me closer you live with other people, the more important good manners are. Everybody in a family should respect the unspoileds and feelings of everybody else. render to listen when others in the family have something to say. Even a little brother or sister who cant yet read or a grandmother who seems quite old has a right to an opinion.It is imp ortant for members of a family to consider each others privacy. No matter how crowded a home is, everyone in it has a right to some place that is his own. Here are some privacy dontsDont open a closed door until you have knocked and waited for permission to enter. Dont go into anyone elses bureau, desk, box, or bases at home or anywhere else without his permission.Dont read anyones mail or anything he has written (for example, a diary) unless he asks you to. Dont discuss the clannish affairs of your family with outsiders or tell about a family problem. Another important part of family good manners is sharing. You share the TV set and the telephone and the bathroom and maybe a bedroom or a closet or a desk. You share the work. This means cleaning up after you and sharing the tariff for the safety of everyone in the house.Telephone MannersAlways give the person you are calling the great unwashed of time to get to the phone before you hang up. If the person who answers is not the o ne you want, give your designation and ask if you may speak to the person youve called. Ask, May I speak to Tommy? not Is Tommy home If he isnt in, you may leave a message.If someone dials your number accidentally, accept his apology. Everyone sometimes dials a wrong number. No one intends to. If you accidentally dial a wrong number, excuse yourself.It is considerate to make phone calls at a time when they will not disturb people. Try not to call too early in the morning (before about 900) or too late at night (after about 930). Try not to call at mealtime.Its handy to keep a pencil and paper near the phone. If someone calls a member of the family who is not at home, ask the caller if he would like to leave a message. If he does, be certain(p) to get his name and number. 7 if you take a message are sure to remember to deliver itTable MannersMost families have ceremonious their own table manners that are important to them. Here are a some that should be remembered when you are at home and when you are a guestNever reach for any fodder that is not right in front of you. Ask someone to pass it. And if you are passing something, dont military service yourself along the way. If your aliment is too hot, wait for it to cool. Dont blow on it. If you pose something in your mouth thats too hot, dont spit it out. Reach for your water and take a quick swallow.Dont talk with your mouth full. Bring your food up to your mouth rather than bending over to reach it. There are a few additional rules for eating in a restaurantDont be upset if you spill something. It happens all the time. The host will clean it up. Dont pick up your silverware if you drop it on the floor. Ask the waiter to replace it for you. Dont put packages or handbags on the table. Dont comb your hair at the table. Dont use a toothpick in public. Being a GuestWe all know that we have certain responsibilities when we are the host or hostess. But in that respect are responsibilities when one is guests that are equally important. Here are a few of themDont go tour unless youre expected. Dont overstay your invitation. Dont expect to be waited on. Offer to help. Dont plan to stay overnight without consulting the hostess and your parents. Dont upset the familys routine. Try to fit in and (your part. Dont make extra work. Make your bed, straighten up after yourself. Be sure to say thank you for a meal or an overnight visit at a friends house. Manners on the StreetUnless you are at home or at a friends house, you are on public property. Bemuse this property is used by many people, it is especially important that everyone use common sense and good manners. Here are some street dontsDont walk in bunches so that you obstruction others. Dont stop to chat in the middle of the sidewalk. Step to the side so that people wont have to trend around you. Dont stare at or make fun of anyone, no matter how strange he may look. Dont be a litterbug. Dont mark on buildings or other public property. If you bump into someone or step on his toe, say youre sorry. A Final Note to ParentsYou have most belike already dealt with most of the above suggestions with your child. However, when it comes to manners, children need frequent reminders. One of the best ways to teach manners is to role-play the parent takes the role of host or hostess, guest, salesperson, someone at the other end of the telephone, etc. This reduces the childs imagination that the parent is nagging, and it is a technique that works.Website www.childdevelopmentinfo.com