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How to Raise a Well-Mannered Child

little girl;

Preparing a child for school is more than shopping for the newest fashions and making sure he/she has enough #2 pencils.  Children need to take their best manners to school.  Those with good manners are viewed as socially savvy and are well-liked. 

Manners are first taught at home.

Not taught at school, manners and social skills are taught by parents in the home, for which there is no better teacher.  This can be a daunting task but shouldn't be.  There are countless teachable moments during each day to use. 

When parent and child are together and witness a child taking something from another, this is a teachable moment.  When the child steps into another's garden to pick a flower, this is a teachable moment.  A parenting parent uses this particular moment to tell the child to stop, asks where her tiny feet are and where they should be.  She would then know that it is disrespectful to go into a neighbor's garden bed. 

Shared moments are teachable moments and are quality time.

Once children learn manners basics – respect, consideration, kindness, and courtesy – they better "fit" into society and will feel more comfortable in social situations, such as school.  But must every shared moment be a teaching experience? Shouldn't parents save some time to just enjoy their children?



All quality time is the same; playing a game, playing in the park, etc. Each moment is the perfect time to teach and enjoy each other.  Consider the family dinner hour. Since all social skills and manners are used at the table, it is a perfect teachable moment.  They can learn most everything they will need throughout their lives like communications skills, respect, table manners, consideration, and courtesy. And our valuable communication skills include table conversation, body language, and utensil usage.  

By purposely directing conversations toward appropriate topics, parents teach what is appropriate to discuss at the table.  Modeling proper body language teaches children how to sit properly.  Of course, watching the movie “Princess Diaries” helps as well.  I’m not joking here.  Check it out and you’ll see why.

Finally, teach respect by sharing everything at the table, not interrupting, and not leaving the table while others continue eating. 

Watch for those valuable teachable moments!

Yes, parenting is a full-time job, especially because you are the teacher as well.  But it is a very fulfilling, enjoyable one as well.  Enjoy each day and watch for those teachable moments to help your child in school and in life. Great. Parents. Parent!

For more information about teaching your children manners, please read our, How to Teach Your Children Manners book.  

More by The Polite One

Proper Etiquette When Giving & Receiving Gifts

Coffee House Etiquette or Want a @#&% With That Latte?

How to Be the Best Guest 


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