list of manners children should be taught for public places

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list of manners children should be taught for public places

Whether it is a trip to the grocery store, school, or even a playground, it is important that while children are allowed to be children, that they have an understanding of what it takes to be polite in public. One thing I have learned as a parent, children pick up a behavior or a guideline only after lots and lots of practice and much modeling from parents. I like to tell my children that they are “adults in training”. Adults should have manners and politeness down pat, but children use their youth to learn and practice. While it may be hard on a parent’s ego to see a child not following a rule of politeness, reinforcement is key to instilling a deep understanding of manners. Here are some manners that children should be encouraged to use in public.

Offer a hello to people you know. Talk to your children about a polite way to address people. Some feel that children should say Sir or Ma’am. Others believe that a child should use another term of respect such as a Miss or Mr. before either the first or last name of an adult.
If someone you know speaks to you, look them in the eye. Maybe include a bit of polite conversation (small talk).
Use “indoor voices” indoors.
Have respect for other people’s property. Treat it more carefully than you would your own.
Don’t stare or point at other people. Be discreet.
Never throw any trash on the ground.
If you bump into someone, you should always say, “Excuse me.”
Patience is an especially difficult skill for children to master, but it is important that they learn to wait their turn.

What manners do you like to emphasize to your children in public? Do you have any good advice for working on manners in public?

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4 responses to “list of manners children should be taught for public places”

Brethart77 says:
March 11, 2009 at 10:24 am
* Hands to yourself
* No passing gas
* No picking your nose
* No screaming…If I hear screaming, someone better dead or in mortal danger.
the Shipe's says:
February 26, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Great post. I have to agree with "The Mommy", I plan on teaching my kids restaurant manners. Some parents let their kids climb all over the table & chairs. I love playing peek-a-boo with others kids before my food arrives, but some keep staring, awkward. haha.
Also I plan on teaching my kids to walk in stores & stay close to me. Yesterday a kid ran into me & almost knocked me over. His mom just called him back over to her. No sorry or reprimand. haha.
listplanit says:
February 26, 2009 at 10:18 am
I went back and forth on whether or not to include Please & Thank You in the list. These terms are of the utmost importance. Every child should be taught to say them, I just had hoped that they were a given. Good reminder, The Mommy.
List Mama
The Mommy says:
February 26, 2009 at 10:00 am
Excellent post! I would add please and thank you as well. It has always been very important to me to teach my children good manners at home and out of the home. Working as a waitress for a couple of years really made me want to be a good mother and influence. I couldn’t believe how people allowed their children to run all over unsupervised, completely trash an area (not just restaurants, where food is sometimes difficult to manage), and to yell and scream, even in the library. I have certainly had my share of challenges raising my four children, but manners can be taught easily if you make them a priority. As a parent, you simply have to make the decision that manners are important and to emphasize them wherever you go. Children also learn from example, so our opportunities to lead and teach are continual. Thank you for the lovely article, I found you on Twitter @yourimpact
Namaste