10 Basic Manners Children Should Learn At A Young Age

Etiquette and manners are an indication that a child has been brought up well, it also reflects that a child has been raised in an environment that places importance on paying respect and homage to their peers and elders. At Podar International School, the focus is placed on these basic virtues which are not given their due importance when it comes to education in India. Every parent wants their child to be respectful and mindful of others in any environment. Keeping that in mind, here is a list of 10 basic good manners for your kids-

1. Using the Magic Words Beyond Please And Thank You

   Saying ‘Excuse Me’ every time they want to leave, or ask a question instead of interjecting. Saying sorry, every time they cause anyone any kind of inconvenience. Greeting people and saying ‘Good Morning’ and ‘Good Evening’ reflects good manners in children.



2. Basic Table Manners

   Your child should be taught basic table manners and basic dining etiquette, reflecting a level of poise and responsibility in them. Teaching them the correct way to use a knife and fork, placing the napkin on their lap, washing their hands before meals, and not talking while chewing.



3. Knocking On Doors Before Entering

   Your child must be taught the value of privacy and habits must be inculcated in them to respect other people’s privacy. You should teach your child to knock at the door every time and ask if they might enter. This teaches them to respect the privacy of other people around them.



4. Covering One’s Mouth While Sneezing or Coughing

   Basic hygiene protocols and etiquette should be taught to children especially young children where mild communicable diseases spread often. Carrying a napkin or a handkerchief with them and using that to cover their mouth every time they sneeze and saying ‘excuse me’ after a sneeze or a cough should be taught.



5. Sharing

   Every child should be taught the values of sharing and should be taught to graciously share their toys or stationary with their peers. It boosts socialization among young children and teaches them to be compassionate to other’s needs and not just theirs. Sharing is an important set of manners.



6. Asking Permission

   Every child should be taught to ask before they use, eat or play with something that is not theirs. It teaches them to be more humble to their peers and elders and respect other people’s things. It teaches them not to take things for granted and wait till other people are comfortable for them to use their things.



7. Being Patient

   It is important that you teach your child to wait and be patient for things even though they really want it at that moment. It reduces meltdowns in children when they are taught to be patient and to quietly wait for what they want. It teaches them that all their needs cannot be instantly gratified and that care and time go behind things and services they love.



8. Basic Telephone Etiquette

   One of the most important etiquette that your child should know is phone etiquette. Every child these days has access to a phone or a tablet so it is important we teach them basic phone etiquette- how to use that moderately and respectfully. Teach your children to not use the phone when having a conversation with others or when having a meal with family members. Your children should be taught to not talk loudly on the phone and respect other people’s space when using the phone in public areas- for example not amping up the brightness and talking loudly in the moving theatre as it disturbs other people.



9. Addressing Elders

   When addressing elders, children should be taught to not use their first names and respectfully refer to them as ‘Ms’ or ‘Mr’. When meeting an elder, your child should always greet them and listen to them while they talk instead of interjecting or interrupting them.



10. Being Kind and Mindful

    This is probably the most important set of manners a child should be taught, especially from a young age- to be kind and gentle to others using their words and manners. Children should be taught to not comment on other’s appearances, to be mindful of what they say to their peers and elders, and not to use any kind of brash or rude language when talking to others.

At Podar, we inculcate all these values and more. To enrol your child at Podar International School, check our online admissions page.