Thursday, 2 May 2013

The Basics Of Teaching Children Manners

By Alison Wilcox


Parents are charged with a huge responsibility of teaching children manners. There is, of course, input from other people such as teachers and religious leaders. Basic etiquette is very important to a growing child as it puts them in a position to deal with different situations appropriately. A person that has been adequately trained in etiquette can interact social well with other people.

All responsible adults and especially parents need to be good role models to the growing child. The easiest way of getting a child to do something, is by doing it yourself. Other than yelling instructions, parents should as much as possible practice what they wish their children to follow. For example, parents who want their child to be polite in their talk should start by being polite themselves.

Most modern families are faced with a huge challenge; that of most parents not having enough time with their children. This is because most of the parents are always busy as they try to meet the economic demands. The parents cannot identify negative behaviors in their child and are also not in a position to reinforce positive behavioral patterns. The overall effect is upbringing of children whose character is wanting.

Respect for authority is a virtue that should be taught from the time children are very young. This extends to the respect for older persons. A child should know how to properly address their senior and to maintain a conversation with them in a respectable way. They should be warned against interrupting the talk of other people. While there are many differences among different cultures throughout the world, there are also many similarities.

A child should also be taught to be courteous at all times. Teaching them to show appreciation for small gifts or favors at such an age will ensure that they grow up this way. They should learn to apologize whenever necessary and in the right way. They should know when and how to excuse themselves during different situations. Varying degrees of punishment and appraisal can be used to reinforce the positive and discourage the negative behaviors.

Another important area is that of table manners. These set of behaviors also vary amongst cultures and also from one family to another. There are a number which are more or less universal and these should be inculcated into the child early enough. For instance, they should know how to wait for food patiently. They should also know how to request for items on the table and how to excuse themselves. Some communities may pray before or after meals. If such a practice exists, it should be taught.

Personal hygiene is an important aspect of good mannerisms. It gives a lot of insight into the character of a person in most cases. A child should be taught how to clean themselves properly and how to take care of their laundry as they start becoming of age. Environmental cleanliness is as important as personal cleanliness and it should be taught as well.

The act of teaching children manners should be done continuously. It is a long process and not just an event. At times, there is need to repeat instructions so that they are reinforced. Although it is the primary responsibility of parents other adults should also play an active role as well.




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