As a parent, you’ll ever be proud of a well-mannered child. A well behaved child is one that gives you peace at home and abroad. One of my favourite quotes is Proverbs 22 vs 6 (ESV) which says: Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. A child growing up to become a well-mannered and cultured person does not just happen overnight. What a child becomes as an adult is dependent on the series of trainings and observations he/she receives from parents and/or guardians. I have spent some time observing some well-mannered kids and here are a few good manners they exhibited that wowed me.
1. They use the phrase ‘thank you’ whenever they receive help from anyone, be it younger or older. They say thank you for every gift they receive.
2. A well-mannered child is one who observes table manners in the presence or absence of visitors. They use eating utensils properly. When they want a thing from across the table, they request for it to be passed over using the magic word ‘please’ and after eating, they clear their table.
3. When adults ask them for a favour that is lawful, within their power to do and with the permission of their parents, they do it without grumbling.
4. When they come across an adult or a friend doing something they know they can help with, they ask if they could help. They get a positive response most times and acquire new skills this way.
5. When walking through a door, they hold out the door for anyone who is close to the door and is ready to pass through, as a kind gesture.
6. When they bump into someone accidentally or they approach two adults engaging in a conversation, they politely say, ‘excuse me’.
7. When they commit themselves to an activity, a duty, or a subject, even when it starts looking boring, they stick to it. They don’t start something only to drop it halfway because they think it boring.
8. They don’t use foul language.
9. After staying over at a friend’s home, they thank their friend’s parents for having them over and for the good time they have had.
10. When in doubt about an issue, they ask questions/permission from someone who can answer or that can grant it.
11. Rather than airing their negative opinions, they think about the situation and come up with suggestions on how to solve the problem. They don’t say, “I hate taking piano lessons.” They’ll rather say, “Can I sign up for dancing lessons instead?”
12. Compliments are always welcome so they use them effectively.
13. They hardly make fun of others. They admit that everyone is just as special as they are regardless of their differences. They don’t tease. They don’t gang up to bully someone who looks weak.
