We attach great importance on the good manner for kids. Manners are learned as soon as children begin to understand what is going on around them, specifically what their parents are saying. As they begin to understand, it is vital to coach children in correct manners by providing positive feedback when they do something correctly, either in public or at home. However, when an incorrect behavior appears, parents need to instruct their children, gently, in how the situation should have been handled and explain exactly why and what they have done is wrong. The following are several basic good manners for kids.

Basic Good Manner for Kids

• Address adults properly. Role-playing is a great way to help your kid learn; you pretend to be various people that your child must address as Mr., Ms., or Mrs. When you take your child to a party, don’t forget to introduce new adults with their proper title and name.If your child addresses someone incorrectly, it is perfectly feasible to correct him immediately—this will help him understand the importance of proper address. This is a very important good manner for kids to learn.
• Introduce himself when making a phone call. Your child should understand that as the caller, it is his obligation to first introduce himself, and then inquire for the person he wishes to talk to.
• Use courtesy phrases: “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” “Please” is typically used when asking for an object, or a favor, and then is reciprocated by saying “thank you” once the object or favor has been completed. The last phrase “excuse me” should be used in a polite tone when your kid accidentally bumps into someone.
• Avoid interrupting a conversation. Children should only be instructed to interrupt adults when there is an emergency. If the child is taught to wait patiently beside their parent, the parent will be able to politely finish the conversation and address the needs of their child. When the child has something very important to tell his parent, or there is an emergency, he should say “excuse me.”
• Never criticize others’ appearance. Children should be should be discouraged from making any type of negative comment on someone’s physical appearance.
• Be aware of their appearance. Of course,part of a child’s appearance means covering his mouth when he coughs or sneezes, preferably with his arm, and never pick his nose while out in public.

Entering and Exiting Etiquettes for Kids

When entering or exiting a building

Teach children about the politeness of allowing elders to go in a building before them. When entering or exiting a building, remind children to check behind them to avoid slamming a door into someone’s face. If there is someone behind them, children should hold the door open until he passes through, or grabs it himself.

When entering a room

Teach children the appropriate manners for knocking on closed doors. Remind them that it’s best to knock first, wait for a response, and then enter. If there is no response, they should use a verbal inquiry to see if they are allowed to enter, otherwise they should wait until they are invited in or the door is opened.

When visiting a friend

Children can become easily excited before entering another’s home, especially if it’s to visit a friend for the afternoon. Be sure to allow your child one or two knocks, or one ring of the doorbell, and then provide a signal that he needs to wait—such as placing a hand on his shoulder. When visiting a favorite relative, it may be okay to allow the child to run and give his loved one a hug; otherwise, remind him to wait until he is invited inside.

Good Table Manner for Kids

Wherever you might be eating, the following are general table manners that all children should know:

• Always use utensils, except when the food is made to be ate by hand.
• When it is not buffet style, wait until everyone has their food before eating so as to show consideration of all of the guests.
• Take small, clean bites—don’t eat too much at once or it may seem like you are choking.
• Tear small pieces off of a roll before buttering and eating rather than tackily eating a whole piece of bread.
• While chewing, keep your mouth closed. If you have something to say, wait until after you have swallowed before speaking.
• Never reach over for a plate, but ask politely for what you want to be passed down.
• Maintain proper posture and do not lean heavily on the table. Wrists or forearms can rest on the table, but hands should rest in lap when not eating.
• Keep a napkin in your lap when not in use, and only use it to dab your mouth—not to wipe your face or blow your nose.
• Never pick anything out of your teeth at the table. If you must, go to the restroom after excusing yourself from the table.Never make rude comments about the food because someone has worked diligently to prepare that meal and any negative comments will hurt his feelings.

For information on how to help children learn table manners, what this video:

Good Party Manner for Kids

Let’s face it—children love birthday parties, either as the attendee, or as the birthday boy or girl themselves. However, parents should ensure that children understand proper party etiquette.

Be a Good Guest

Before your children attends a party, remind them to ask for directions and permission of which rooms and places they can play within, even if they are at grandma’s house. A party atmosphere is significantly different from an everyday visit, and children need to know the difference. Children should also avoid running and jumping inside and should not touch any objects, including toys, unless they have been given express permission by the party host.

Offer to Help

A major bonus to party manners is having a child who constantly offers to help. Whether it’s setting or clearing off the dishes, putting away the toys that are just played with, or putting chips in a bowl.All of these favors will ensure that your child will be welcomed back again.

Write a Thank-You Note

After the party is over, help your child sit down and write a thank-you note. Although it will take some effort, it will go a long way towards showing the host how much you both appreciated the event. Larger events should be hand-written, but everyday playdates can be as simple as a text or phone call. For younger kids, you can write the note yourself from their perspective, but by first grade they should be able to write by themselves with your supervision for spelling and wording.