Manners

Parents.com has posted

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9

OK  So M is seven and B is four lets see how they are doing so far?

Manner #1


When asking for something, say "Please."

M&B -- Usually but sometimes need prompting.

Manner #2

When receiving something, say "Thank you."

M&B – Again sometimes need prompting.

Manner #3

Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

This one B still needs work on. It is like she will lose her thought if she does not get it out right that second.

Manner #4

If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

M&B need work on this one. M is getting better, but it goes back to Manner #3 for B.

Manner #5

When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

M&B have both learned this one the hard way after losing privileges from doing said things.

Manner #6

The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

This one only seems to crop up at meal time.

Manner #7

Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

B still says whatever pops into her head. We are working on that filter.

Manner #8

When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

M&B get so enthralled about telling how they are sometimes they forget to ask how someone else is doing.

Manner #9

When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

M&B are very good about this one. M especially and without prompting. YAY!

Manner #10

Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

We have this one nailed.

Manner #11

When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

This one will probably come into play more when they are older. Right now they are only allowed to answer the phone when it is a political call. <>. And the only ones they get to call are us.

Manner #12

Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Yay for thank you notes. They love making them with paper and crayons. This was one that my mother beat into my head. I am continuing the tradition.

Manner #13

Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Grown-up words. They know better than to say them. And of course we rarely say them in front of the girls either. The occasionally say the “S” word. That is to say, their “S” word: STUPID.

Manner #14

Don't call people mean names.

M&B are both champions of fairness with others, just not amongst themselves.

Manner #15

Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

This one I think goes back to Manner #14

Manner #16

Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Our wiggles usually do not have anything to do with not being interested but with being able to sit for long periods.

Manner #17

If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

M gets too shy to say anything if it is an adult. We are still working on that one.

Manner #18

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

This one has been made very important by preschool so they are great.

Manner #19

As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

They are still having doors opened for them. We do have a routine coming home. M holds the screen door. I work the key. B opens the house door.

Manner #20

If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

M&B both love to help others so I think we have this one covered.

Manner #21

When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Not always. But most of the time.

Manner #22

When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Thank you is well used in their vocabulary.

Manner #23

Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

B still loves her fingers more than her fork.

Manner #24

Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

M&B love the cloth napkins at special occasions. The lap thing is cool to them.

Manner #25

Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

And if someone asks for the salt, pass the pepper with it. This one was beat into my head as a kid.