As our world is changing so rapidly, our way of communication is also changing however one particular part of communication will never change and that is Manners. We must seek to always have good manners for all of us function and feel respected in our communities.
Why remind and teach manners?
Manners, politeness, respect and LOVE go hand in hand. If we are not respectful of others using manners, than we have lost the way to show kindness and love for the person we are communicating with.
Communication is the way we give or get anything in life so the importance of good communication is key. Manners and respect are part of communication and if we ‘do not come across’ to others in the correct way we are then forced to make a mends thus causing confidence issues in the future.
Praise them often
It is key to teach our children and remind our children of manners and how they show people the respect we have for them. It is also important to congratulate and praise children when they do use correct manners and show respect in the best possible way.
Ways to praise: Say: ‘Well done for using your best manners, thank you’.
The top 7 manner reminders for kids and (sometimes us adults) include:
- Say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’: after giving and receiving and to really push home the point: SMILE during the interaction.
- If you did not hear a question?:
Answer with ‘Pardon’ or ‘I am sorry I did not hear you?’
Never answer with ‘WHAT?’ This answer is not acceptable in any circumstance.
NOTE: Many people believe that children in their teens or young adults being hormonal are excused from this. NO they are not, nobody is excused from this type of bad mannered interaction. This is also especially bad if it is to an elderly person.
- ‘Excuse me’: when passing, bumping into someone or interrupting someone speaking.
As a parent or teacher, children need to interrupt us regularly with questions. However, it is important that it is a polite interruption:
‘Excuse me Mum?’, or ‘Excuse me… teacher? then eye contact is given so the child can see it is ok to ask now.
Use hand gesture like the ‘Stop hand’ if it is not ok to speak yet.
- Say ‘Sorry’ if hurting, bumping or running into someone: genuinely show that you care. We are all busy and on our way to something and this scenario can change your day for better or for worst if exchanged in the wrong manner.
- Don’t allow children to pick their nose in public; discuss the best scenario and why it is bad manner and ensure our children are reminded of this both role modeled and also shown how to successfully clean this part of our body.
NOTE: Generally this habit does stop in approximate age of 8 however you would be surprised at how long children continue to do this, if not told by an adult that it is ‘not ok’ and simply shown how to blow their nose correctly.
If we can show manners daily, we will have a positive shared respect thus showing a care for the world and community we live in.
Health and Happiness always,
b.x