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5 Tips for Raising Polite Children

In an earlier post we talked about the issue of more and more children who do not seem to have manners and are not polite. They seem to leave adults asking “where are your manners”. Here are 5 tips for raising polite children.

1. Demystify what Manners are:

Manners are a way of behaving that is expected of you, which shows respect for others and proper conduct. Teach your children what standards you want in your household, classroom, campus, educational institution and make them compliant. Parents give your children a foundation that speaks to good upbringing.

polite children

2. Meeting & Greeting:

This is a basic activity that should come naturally as an act of politeness. Teach these steps:

(a) Stand up

(b) Keep your head up

(c) Smile

(d) Say Hello (Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening)

(e) Address correctly ( Ma, Sir)

(f) Correct eye contact

When meeting people

(a) Say your name

(b) Say something about yourself

(c) Be first to greet

(d)  Say goodbye when leaving

Polite Children

3. Magic Words

“Manners are priceless but the lack of it can cost millions”. Start with yourself and make magic words a part of your vocabulary. In raising polite children have the following words engaged in their daily conversation skills.

(a) Please

(b) Thank you

(c) Excuse me

(d) No thank you

(e) You are welcome

(f) Welcome

(g) Yes please

(h) Pardon me

Magic words complete your request for help, permission and favours. Without magic words your request is incomplete. Test your children, ask them how many times they used the word “please” today.

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4. Conversation Skills

Teach your child to speak up and speak out whenever they are talking or being spoken to. The first strategy is to always look up with direct eye contact, they are traits of a successful professional. Other steps include:

(a) Show interest

(b) Speak clearly

(c) Listen attentively

(d) Respond with confidence

(e) Ask questions

(f) Avoid bragging about themselves

5. Helping Hand

Teach your children to always offer a helping hand well before they are asked. When mum or dad look like they could do with help let them be there to assist. Help around the house is always needed. A polite child can ask if help is needed in the kitchen, cleaning the car or cleaning the house.

Contributed by Janet Adetu, JSK Etiquette & Image Training | @JSKEtiquette

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