The Importance of Manners in Kids: A Lost Art
Updated: Mar 9
In a bid to be a safe space for their kids, some parents end up causing their kids to lose out on essential manners and etiquette crucial to their upbringing. Sometimes the worst in society might have turned out better if only they had been schooled on proper manners and social habits.
Sadly, we only get to see more and more kids who are averse to good manners and have destructive behavioral tendencies that they might see as normal. But this doesn't have to be so. Manners in kids don't have to be a lost art
And here is why…
3 Reasons Why Your Kids Need to Learn Good Manners
1. It teaches them how to build meaningful relationships
Being polite and always using the magic phrases (which you will learn about in a minute) is a foundation for building relationships where parties have mutual respect.
2. It makes them aware of acceptable social conducts
When kids learn good manners, they learn social etiquette and how to behave in society. For instance, a kid will know to thank their play date's parents after a play date or know not to laugh at the lady in a wheelchair next block because they have been taught that these are either acceptable or nonacceptable social practices.
3. Well-mannered kids always make a good impression on others
Where is the lie in this? No parent will want their kids to associate with ill-mannered children. Young and old alike will appreciate great manners in a child. And this isn't only limited to them as kids. As they get older, these well-mannered behaviors, which they learned as kids, will stick with them, eventually making them the best adults in society.
Some essential manners you should imbue in your children
While the list is inexhaustible, below are a few crucial good manners you can teach your children:
1. Saying the magic words
Please, excuse me, thank you, and I'm sorry are examples of critical phrases every child needs to learn, even from childhood. Teach your kids that these words are essential for daily interactions and will also pave way for them as they grow older in the various fields of life they choose to walk.
2. Caution them when they throw tantrums
Toddlers are known for throwing tantrums most times, especially when they do not get their way. In a bid to teach them that they may not always get what they want in life and be content (but not complacent) with what they have, you should teach them that throwing tantrums is rude and not the easy way out.
3. Teach them how to address people
This covers greetings, conversations, and title-addressing. Teach your kids the correct manner to converse with strangers and older acquaintances, and kids of their age grade.
4. Do not stare at people with disabilities
Your kids should understand that staring at people with disabilities is rude, and pointing out their disabilities to their hearing is unnecessary. This will save them the embarrassment that comes with going contrary to this rule later in life. The sooner they learn this, the sooner they know how to effectively sympathize with people with disabilities.
Where Does Your Nanny Come In?
Suppose the adults in a kid's life (including the nannies and caregivers) fail to mirror the manners that such a child ought to have. In that case, the effect will be seen in a child's attitude, which won't be comforting.
If you work 9-5 or are usually very busy every other day, chances are that your kids will spend more of their day times (or night times, whichever works for you) with a nanny or caregiver. Your nanny is in a position to significantly influence your kids through their actions, characters, and most importantly, what they consciously teach your kids.
When you play your part in teaching your kids manners and have your nanny compliment your actions by playing their own part, your child is sure to be the envy of others.
But it is only achievable with the ideal nanny. This is why Elite Nanny Agency always ensures matching families with nannies who know the importance of manners in kids and who consciously work to imbue the proper manners in the children who are their responsibility.
Lowry, David "25 Manners Kids Should Know" July 14, 2015.
https://www.parents.com/kids/development/social/25-manners-kids-should-know/
Lee, Katherine "Teaching Children Good Etiquette and Manners" November 23, 2020
https://www.verywellfamily.com/teaching-children-manners-620111