Good manners teach your children a sense of respect for the sensibilities of other people. When you say “thank you,” you’re taking the time to make the other person feel appreciated.

The learning process of manners starts from the family members where manner seed is planted and nurtured. Your home is the best place where your child gets foundation of all the social etiquette they will need to carry through their whole life.

It is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group.

Following are few manners your child must know:

Table manner

·       Come to the table with clean hands and face.

·       Put your napkin on your lap.

·       Start eating when everyone else does or when given the okay to start.

·       Stay seated and sits up straight.

·       Keep elbows (and other body parts!) off the table while eating.

·       Chew with your mouth closed and don’t talk until you’ve swallowed.

·       Don’t make bad comments about the food.

How to spend time at home

•        Help your parents as much as you can and do your best to please them.

•        Be kind to your brothers and sisters.

•        Do not be selfish; share all your good things.

•        Do not forget to offer your prayers, five times a day because the key to paradise is prayers.

How should you say sorry?

·       Every apology needs to start with two magic words: “I'm sorry,” or “I apologize”.

·       Admit Responsibility. Next, admit responsibility for your actions or behavior, and acknowledge what you did.

·       Don’t hesitate to accept your mistake. Be ready to say sorry to someone who is hurt by your words or doings.

·       Promise That it Won't Happen Again

Be polite

Be gentle, not forceful or insistent.

When in doubt, observe others.

Start a conversation by asking questions about the other person.

Shake hands firmly and look your acquaintance in the eye when doing so.

Know the proper dinner etiquette.

Don’t use abusive language

Don’t ever use abusive or foul language with your mates. Be soft and gentle in your words.

Share with others

Try to share your things with others. You can also share your lunch with your classmate. Sharing is the best way to make friends.

Give Respect

Always respect your teachers, parents, friends and relatives. Respecting others is a silent way to express our feeling for them. It's an unspoken way of communication which builds unshaken and strong relations between people respecting each other.

Published in Young Nation Magazine on May 20, 2017