May 12, 2020

Ever been to dinner and look at the next table to see a child throwing their food on the floor, or parents interacting more with their cell phones than their families?

Here are 5 everyday etiquette reminders that you can use for your children, teens, and yourself!

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Table Manners

Good table manners can be taught to children as young as toddlers. These polite behaviors include learning how to use proper utensils, make conversation, not talk with their mouths full, and learn to sit patiently until others have finished eating.

And since mealtime is such a repetitive activity, these manners can be instilled easily with daily reinforcement. 

Saying Thank You

Practicing thanks in everyday life is an important habit to instill. Practicing thanks in everyday life is an important habit to instill. Start by teaching kids to thank family members and friends for small kindnesses to instill a sense of gratitude that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Writing thank you notes for gifts also is an important habit to learn at an early age.

Practice Good Greetings

Teaching your child to be polite and attentive to others is a great way to get them started on the right foot in life.

For kids in middle school and high school, it is important to practice etiquette in greeting others. While transitioning from middle to high school, or high school to college, making good first impressions is especially key to their communal success. 

Polite Phone Protocol

In this day and age, it is difficult to get both kids and adults off their phones — whether social media or texting. Knowing when and where to be on your phone is a great way to show your manners.

Lead by example and have “no phone zones” in your home to practice phone etiquette and reinforce that there is a time and a place to be on (and off) their devices.

Be Polite To People Who Serve

Children must learn that everyone deserves respect — regardless of their role —  and a great way to demonstrate one’s manners is by respecting those who serve.

Whether it be the man who bags your groceries at the local supermarket or the first responder patrolling the highway, a reliable judge of character is how people treat those who serve the community. 

Check out all of our previous Daily Survival Guides.