How to Teach Your Children to Use Good Manners in Public

Would you like your children or students to have better manners in public?

Have you ever gone to the movies and someone near you kept talking during the film? How about the annoyance of having someone kicking your seat from behind on an airplane?

Let’s Go Out – The Etiquette of Public Places

1. Say “good morning” or “thank you”. Greetings are always nice to give and receive.  Teach your students or children to make eye contact and say “hello” when meeting someone.  When you are out and about during your daily activities, make it a practice to say “thank you” often.  When someone holds the door or elevator for you, say ‘thank you”.  As a parent or teacher you can show children what to to do by being the example.  Remember, children are watching you.  You can also point out why you expressed gratitude and how it feels to offer appreciation.

2. Excuse me:  If you bump into someone, say “excuse me or I’m sorry”.  Make eye contact so the other person know you are sincere.

3. Talk to your friends about the movie after its over, not during the film. When at the movies, throw away your snack containers as you leave the theater. Do not leave them behind. Don’t kick the chair in front of you.

4. Don’t cut in front of others while standing in line. Wait for your turn.

5. Don’t chew gum with your mouth open, and don’t make the popping noise. Only blow bubbles in private. Practicing proper etiquette in public places shows others that you are considerate. It also reinforces your own integrity for choosing to use the good manners you were taught.

6. When out for a day of shopping, put things back the way they were found. Refold the t-shirt you picked up. If you drop a pair of jeans, refold them and put the item back where you found it.

Children learn from the actions of others. Make it common practice in your home or classroom to show consideration for each family member, so that when they’re in public, it will seem natural.

As always, thanks for reading.

To learn more about how to become a certified etiquette instructor, click here.

To learn more about teaching manners in the classroom, click here.