The least manners

　　25 Manners Every Kid Should
　　　　　Know By Age 9.

　　　By David Lowry, Ph.D.

Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional.
Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite
to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe
that the lady walking in front of them has a
large behind. And in the hustle and bustle
of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always
have the time to focus on etiquette.
But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners,
you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.-

Manner #1

When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2

When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Related: Kid-Made Thank You Notes

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.

Manner #7
Do not comment on other people's physical
characteristics unless, of course, it's to
compliment them, which is always welcome.

Related: Raise Polite Kids

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.

Related: Print and Color Cards for Birthdays,
Thank-Yous and More!

Manner #13
Never use foul language in front of adults.
Grown-ups already know all those words,
and they find them boring and unpleasant.

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.

Related: Raise a Compassionate Kid

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."

Related: Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style?

Manner #18
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze,
and don't pick your nose in public.

Related: How to Handle Inappropriate Behavior

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.

Related: Use this Table-Setting Map as a Guide

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.

Related: Mrs. McVeigh Weighs in on
Proper Utensil Use and More!

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.

See more on teaching manners to your
toddlers and preschoolers.

Originally published in the March 2011
issue of Parents magazine.