Manners!

Ok- back to normal! Seems like I have had lots of big announcements lately- so I am back to focusing on mom stuff! I read this article today and really liked it. I love "lists" and this is a great list of manners to teach kids- a lot of them make me feel good that my kids- at 2 & 4 have them down- and a lot of them are good reminders of things to continue working on! Enjoy! 


This article is from: SHINE on Yahoo called "25 Manners Every Kid Should Know by Age 9"

• Manner #1   When asking for something, say "Please." 
• Manner #2   When receiving something, say "Thank you."
• Manner #3   Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.
• Manner #4   If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.
• Manner #5   When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
• Manner #6   The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults. JM: I think even teaching them not to be negative at all- no one wants a negative friend either.
• Manner #7   Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
• Manner #8   When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
• Manner #9   When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
• Manner #10   Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.
• Manner #11   When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
• Manner #12   Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.
• Manner #13   Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant. JM: my thought, of course, is we dont use these words at all or there are consequences.
• Manner #14   Don't call people mean names.
• Manner #15   Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
• Manner #16   Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
• Manner #17   If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."
• Manner #18   Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.
• Manner #19   As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
• Manner #20   If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.
• Manner #21   When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.
• Manner #22   When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
• Manner #23   Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
• Manner #24   Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
• Manner #25   Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine.