Manners Book for Kids? Yes, Please!

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     With the uncertainties and craziness that has identified 2020 so far, we are sure that some unsavory behaviors have crept in and now is the time to consider working on getting back to normal, before the start of school. Manners, identify behavior that is either acceptable or not acceptable and something that we all wish our children came equipped with, good ones that is. Etiquette is about the rules of a particular society and can vary from one culture to another.

     Children do not instinctively know good manners. Parents need to teach and model good manners and instill the social skills of kindness, respect and politeness. Here is a list of what we consider the basics:

1. Always say “please” when asking for something.
   
2. Always say “thank you” when receiving something.
3. When you make a mistake, own up to it and say you’re sorry.
4. Always say “excuse me” to get around someone or if you bump into them.
5. Do not interrupt others who are speaking, wait your turn.
6. To get somebody’s attention, say “excuse me.”
7. Keep negative opinions to yourself.
8. If you can’t give a compliment, don’t say anything at all.
9. When someone asks how you are, always return the question asking how they are.
10. Be polite, never use foul language.
11. No teasing. What you perceive as harmless can seem cruel to someone else.
12. Always observe good sportsmanship. Be gracious and kind even if you lose.
13. Whether you are interested or not, sit quietly and be patient.
14. Cover your mouth if you cough, sneeze or yawn and leave that nose alone.
15. Always clean up after yourself. Don’t leave your mess for others to clean.
16. Always look to hold the door open for someone coming behind you.
17. Look out for those smaller, weaker or younger.
18. You may not always like or agree with someone but you do have to show them respect.

     Manners at the table are also important, especially when eating out or at another home. The above list of manners applies, as well as the following:

• Keep your napkin in your lap and use it.
• Don’t chew with your mouth open or speak with your mouth full of food.
• Don’t reach in front of someone. Ask for assistance.
• Wait until everyone is seated to fill your plate.
  
• Wait until everyone has been served to begin eating.
  
• Say “no thank you” if you don’t want something instead of “that’s yucky.”
• Always thank the cook or host at the end of the meal.
• When finished eating, place utensils on your plate and asked to be excused.

Jane Yolen & Mark Teague's 'How Do Dinosaurs...' series covers basic etiquette in a fun way for younger children.

     Often times when you try to drill the rules of etiquette and good manners into children, they will just tune you out. The best way to teach manners is by example and another gentle, effective way is through books. When children hear stories of good manners, they are often more readily able to identify with the characters and the situation. Start simple with something like Nobunny’s Perfect or Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney. Others to consider reading to your children might include Miss Molly’s School of Manners by James MacLaine, Mind Your Manners by Nicola Edwards, Mind Your Manners B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra and Manners Mash-up: A Goofy Guide to Good Behavior by fourteen talented artists.

     Refer to our list of Manners & Etiquette books for additional titles or ask your local librarian for additional suggestions or browse your local bookstore. A great way to find some older titles is at used book sales. That way the title will always be on your shelf waiting to be re-read when manners begin to slip.

     Other ways to bring manners to the forefront is through board games such as Say Please, Little Pig or discuss with your children at dinner how they used their good manners that day. You can also have them keep a daily journal where they write down or illustrate something they did that day that showed them exhibiting good manners. This way children will think about and be aware of their good manners throughout the day.

     Good manners make a good impression on others in daily life and they also help one to feel good about themselves, so help your child to learn and exhibit good manners in order to receive the positive attention they deserve.

We here at BTBL are not the only ones encouraging everyone to review and practice proper manners and etiquette. Just take a look at this list published by Country Living in December of 2019:
50+ Little Social Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Follow.

Thank you!

-Kate @ BTBL

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Author

We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 4) for Kate, and two sons (now 2 and 8 months) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.