Good manners and common courtesy seem overlooked these days - even "out of fashion.
" We rarely hear "please" and "thank you" in everyday talk.
If your children possess even a modicum of good manners; they will outshine most kids.
So, let's teach good manners and see your kids shine! 1.
Model good manners at home.
Your children will watch you and model what you do.
Say it ain't so! But it is.
Explain to your children the value of speaking to one another with kindness and care.
Speak to one another with respect and show common courtesy - even at home.
2.
Look at people when you speak to them - make eye contact.
Extremely simple to do, and will go a long way.
Also, respond when spoken to - this is another biggie, and basic to teaching good manners.
No one wants to feel like they've just been blown off.
If you can't talk right then; explain that briefly, and plan to touch base later.
3.
Speak with respect to others and one another.
Speaking with respect simply means: Consider your words before they come out of your mouth! Speak kind words and speak to others the way you want to be spoken to.
Simple common courtesy and...
The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
4.
Use "please" and "thank you.
" Good Manners 101.
Teach your kids to be grateful for everything; there is so much to be thankful for each day.
Teach them to express their gratitude by thanking others.
When someone drives them home from school or to an activity; a "thank you" is appropriate.
When asking for anything, use "please.
" 5.
Consider the needs of others before your own.
In this "me, me" society, it's hard to teach our kids to think of others.
If we follow this principle (consider the needs of others), everyone will be looking out for the interest of others and all will be cared for.
6.
Say "I'm sorry" when necessary and extend forgiveness.
No one is perfect nor expected to be perfect.
Allow for imperfections, and extend grace and forgiveness to others.
As a parent, be willing to say "I'm sorry" when necessary and admit your mistake.
This will model vulnerability to your children, teach humility, and set the stage for forgiveness and grace.
Being willing to say "I'm sorry" and on the flip-side, to offer forgiveness - both huge building blocks to a peaceful soul.
When your children are young, they may be less inclined to say "I'm sorry" because their emotions can get the better of them at times.
Be patient and continue to instill the necessity to apologize to others if a wrong is committed.
Until they understand this; apologize for them and assure the "offended" you will deal with the problem.
7.
Teach your children to pick up after themselves.
A common courtesy to those they live with.
Each person is responsible for their things and actions.
If you take something out; put it away.
If you turn something on; turn it off.
If you make a mess; pick it up.
By doing this, you are teaching your kids responsibility for their actions and how to respect others by cleaning up their own mess - an undeniable win-win.
8.
Teach your children to behave in public.
Again, good modeling of this will do a lot of the teaching for you.
Use appropriate language; Demonstrate volume control with your voice and emotions; Respond when spoken to; Say "excuse me" when necessary; Refrain from talking during church service, movies or other public performances; Don't push or shove; Or cut in line.
All basic good manners! 9.
Give up your seat for someone older than yourself; or to a woman if you are a man or boy; as well, to a child or woman carrying a child or with children.
This serves as an extension of the principle to consider others needs before your own.
Model this and teach your children, which will reap huge dividends for both parties.
Open doors for others - an act of chivalry for men and boys, and a simple kindness.
10.
Offer help where needed.
Your neighbor may need help with a stalled car or to remove it from a snow bank - lend a hand.
If someone has just returned home from a stay in the hospital or you know is under the weather; ask if you can bring over a meal to their family.
You will find people very willing to return the favor when you are in need.
11.
Speak audibly.
Have you ever spoken to someone who grunts a response? Not very pleasant, is it? Answer "yes" or "no" in audible language, as well as any other spoken words.
Basic good manners! 12.
Try not to interrupt other conversations.
Except in the case of an emergency, we should all be able to wait if you come upon people in the midst of a conversation.
Refrain from barging in on a conversation or eaves-dropping.
Teach your kids how to get your attention if something needs to be addressed right away - like a simple tap on the leg.
It can be your signal that it's something serious and they need to interrupt.
13.
Respect the property of others at home or away.
Teach the importance of respecting other peoples property - not to use something unless they ask permission and to use other peoples property carefully as if it was their own.
Teach kids to respond within their community responsibly: Throw away trash, pick up trash, and respect public property.
14.
Write thank you notes.
The convenience of the internet has made thanking people a cinch, so use that in your efforts.
E-cards are a way to be nice every day.
A hand written note is always appreciated; sometimes, a phone call will suffice.
Teach your kids this simple practice when they're young, and they will have a lifetime skill.
Showing gratefulness will never be out of fashion.
15.
When possible, arrive on time.
Make every effort to arrive on time, and in so doing, respect others time.
When late; apologize and try to correct whatever caused the lateness for next time.
Change what you can.
Having good manners and practicing common courtesy really sets people apart; yet, it is so very simple and do-able.
Give your kids a head start by teaching them to be gentlemen and young ladies.