Teach Your Kids Manners To Behave Well
- Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
- Don't call people mean names.
- Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
- When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
- 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.
- Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome
- When asking for something, say "Please."
- When receiving something, say "Thank you."
- If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me.
- Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.
- When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are
- 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.
- 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
- When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later
- 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
- 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.
