Manners. Considering most adults have problems with these as it is I was interested in having a look at this article.
‘Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.
By David Lowry, Ph.D.
Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.-‘
This article was originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine. Let’s have a looksie shall we?
Manner #1 - When asking for something, say "Please."
Can’t disagree with that one in the slightest!
Manner #2 - When receiving something, say "Thank you."
So far, so good – agree with this one too. In fact if you really want to tick your children off then how about insisting on the handmade thank you note as well?
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.
Isn’t everything an emergency for a 9 year old child? Dear Author, I think you will find that parents will never stop their conversation and even if they do have a natural break, they will certainly not ‘notice’ their children – especially when wine, cakes and coffee are involved.
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.
Yeah right! ‘mummy, mummy, mummy, Mummy, Mummy, Mummy, MUMmy, MUMmy, MUMMY, MUMMY, MUUUUUUUUUMMMMMYY’
Parent – ‘Be Quiet, I am talking’
Manner #5 - When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
Hahahahahahaha!!!
As if!
Hahahahahahaha!!
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.
Maverick Mummy Version – Just say ‘Shuddup’
Manner #7 - Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
Maverick Mummy Version – as manner number 6!
Manner #8 - When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
Acceptable stock response is ‘fine thank you’, I would not advise asking after the well-being of anyone over the age of 60. The attention span of a 9 year old cannot cope with hearing a long-winded story of numerous ailments, the fact that the post office is closing and the bus driver doesn’t wait until you have sat down before driving off.
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.
See manner number 2 and remember to apologise for vomiting over their new carpet after eating too many sweets, spilling your drink down the back of the television and feeding a whole loo roll down the toilet causing a block which the plumber had to be called out for.
Manner #10 - Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.
Recommend this is definitely taught, it will save costly counselling bills later on in life.
Manner #11 - When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
Since when does anyone actually talk on the phone anymore? Phones are for texting and Google aren’t they?
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.
Covered in manner number 2 – hahahaha!
Manner #13 - Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
Adults wonder why their kids know these words. Quite simply grown-ups swear like navvies and think their kids don’t hear them. Stupid ‘beeping’ people.
Maverick Mummy response ‘Shuddup or I am buying a bar of soap when I go shopping’
Manner #14 - Don't call people mean names.
Isn’t it inevitable when your refer to Aunt Mabel as a warty old hippo, the kids are bound to follow suit?
Maverick Mummy version – ‘Shuddup farty pants’
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.
Er, since when is Bullying bad manners? It is abusive behavior intended to hurt someone and involves an imbalance of power. It’s parents’ job to monitor their children’s attitudes toward others and teach and show them how to give kindness, acceptance, inclusion and generally deal with any negative perceptions and behaviors.
Mind you, not making fun and teasing people in a good natured sense is who I am and I want my children to grow up and not take themselves too seriously and take a joke. Let’s face it, who wants to be friends with a bore?
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.
Whilst pretending you are interested, try not to rustle your sweets too loudly, yawn, text your friends or fall asleep – it’s a dead give away
Manner #17 - If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."
Say it in a sarcastic way to anyone over 75 as they would have definitely bumped into you and not care in the slightest. Anyone else – apologise.
Manner #18 - Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.
Can’t argue with that one, but adults are just as bad. Since when has does being inside a car make you invisible – we can see you picking your brains out of your nostrils and it’s not pretty.
Manner #19 - As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
Er, see manner number 17 – just let the door swing.
Manner #20 - If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbour working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.
Then wish you hadn’t when you are roped into something that bores the pants off you.
Manner #21 - When an adult asks you for a favour, do it without grumbling and with a smile.
Kids up to about the age of 9 will be enthusiastic to help give any opportunity, this disappears immediately on reaching the Teens, after then, don’t bother asking.
Manner #22 - When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
Covered this in numbers 2, 9 and 12 – moving on!
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.
And still get it wrong if you watch them – most haven’t got a clue what a fish or grapefruit knife is nowadays, let alone use conventional cutlery in the correct fashion. Google it and your friends parents will think you are very refined and cute!
Manner #24 - Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
Who has napkins at home? No need when sleeves, upholstery mothers and tablecloths are so much easier.
Manner #25 - Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.
This is especially tricky if you are eating on your own.
I reckon this list – and boy what a list – can be boiled down to 3 general guidelines that should get your through childhood without a clip round the ear.
1 – Say Please and Thank you
2 – If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.
3 – Don’t be an idiot
Common sense yes? However people still seem to need a list to spell out how to function in the real world. Basically you will soon know if you go wrong when you don’t have any friends left or get smacked in the kisser by a disgruntled recipient of your actions!
No comments:
Post a Comment