Thursday, December 29, 2011

23 Manners Every Child (& Adult) Should Know


1- When asking for something, say "Please." 
2- When receiving something, say "Thank you." ESPECIALLY after being given a gift of any kind. Regardless if you like it or not. They put forth thought and effort and the least you can do is say "Thank you".
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. (Learn my "Elbow Trick" here)
 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. 
5- When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
6- Keep negative and whiny opinions to yourself.
7- Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
8- When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
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.
10-Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.
11-When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
12- Never use foul language. It makes you sound unintelligent.
13- Don't call people mean names.
 14- Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
15- 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 and deserve your respect.
16- If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me." 
17-Cough and sneeze into your elbow or onto your arm. NOT in your hand. and don't pick your nose in public.
18- As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else. 
19- 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.  
20- When an adult asks you for a favor, say "Yes Sir/Ma'am" and do so without grumbling and with a smile.
21- Use eating utensils properly, eat what you are given or take, always thank the cook, and offer to help with the dishes.

And most importantly...

22- Boys- act like a gentleman! Always offer the ladies to go first, hold open doors for them, walk them to the car and hold open the car door for them, seat a lady at the dinner table, and offer to carry any heavy bags.
23- Girls- LET the boys be gentlemen! Let them learn to treat you with respect, and treat them with respect in return.  





6 comments:

  1. I love this! I think I will be sharing this with my kiddos! :-)

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  2. Love, Love, LOVE this list! Sharing with my boys immediately!

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  3. I Love this list and wish more felt the necessity for it's use!

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  4. Great list! Can't forget #24: Always Put Your Napkin on Your Lap! It should be the first thing you do when you sit down at a table to eat.

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  5. Disagree with no. 20: all children should be taught that some adults are not deserving of respect, and to be aware of predators. An adult asks a child to do something that makes the kid uncomfortable, grumbling and whining is the LEAST of it, they should exit, running, to a adult they trust.

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  6. Love the list! Although, to people from different cultures and background, it would be whole another story.

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