Comments on: How to Teach Your Child Manners

on 7/16/2008 Great!!
I blog for parents @http://lifeasafirsttimeparent.blogspot.com

on 8/31/2006 Our two teenage boys have both been brought up to address anyone older than themselves as either sir or ma'am, and that includes us as parents. It's just common courtesy, which we feel it is sadly no longer common. Neighbors, shopkeepers, and our entire community constantly remark how refreshing and nice it is to see such manners from our boys.

on 3/13/2006 Make sure your kids learn to address their elders by saying "yes sir" "no sir" "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am". The rule at our house is that the kids must always attach an appropriate sir or ma'am onto each sentence or response.

on 11/22/2005 Some may consider how I taught my son as old-fashioned, but that's OK. I taught him as I was taught. Respect your elders (your parents' generation or older). Don't call them by their first name until invited to do so, use Mr. and Mrs. Open doors for a lady if you're a gentleman, don't cut in front of them. When you use "Sir" or "Ma'am," mean it. A gentleman should stand when being introduced to a lady, and offer a gentle handshake if she instigates it. A lady doesn't need to stand when meeting a gentleman. Men shouldn't wear hats inside. If you're a civilian, and either a flag is going by in a procession or parade, or the national anthem is being played, place your right hand over your heart (or hat if you're wearing one and male.) Tipping your hat to a lady, if you're a man, is very endearing, even if it's a little tap on the brim.

Well-mannered children are a pleasure to have around, not a burden, and it heartens older generations to see the young ones growing up with proper behavior. If you have well-behaved children, they'll be very welcomed at social gatherings and family events. Teach them well.

on 11/22/2005 Do not answer your phone in a shop where everyone can hear you arguing with your spouse. No one wants to hear about your life. If you really must do this, talk queitly. Technology has sometimes turned us away from paying attention to manners.

on 11/22/2005 It is better to explain to your child what sort of behavior you expect from him before taking him out to a public place. It is usually futile to glare or shout at him in front of others, especially if the child is throwing a tantrum. It only makes him more rebellious. It is even more embarrassing for you if your child refuses to listen to you. If you make your child recall the promises made at home, they usually try to keep them (because they love to show that they can handle responsibility).

on 11/22/2005 Do not allow your child to do what another child is doing if you do not allow it in your own home (including outside family members such as cousins). Stick to your rules regardless of where you are. Letting them get away with something you do not normally tolerate excuses the behavior in the present circumstance and makes the child think it's OK since they are not being reprimanded. Remind the other child that your family does not tolerate actions such as the ones being demonstrated by him/her. This should be done for children young and old. Otherwise, it just teaches them they only have to behave at home, and will only be reprimanded at home, and anything goes outside the home.

on 11/22/2005 Do not correct grammar in front of an over-10 if he or she is with his/her friends. It will embarrass the child and will make them rebel against grammar and etiquette.