Teaching manners to children gives them the tools to function and succeed as adults. Children should know these rules of etiquette and master them.
1. Telephone Manners
Be polite, greet, and identify yourself to the person who answers the phone before asking a question to someone who is not on your contact list. By doing so, the person who answers the phone will appreciate this courtesy and see you as friendly.
2. On Correspondence
Anytime your mother or any other person does anything for you, and it takes someone more than 15 minutes to do, send the person a thank-you note. By doing so, the person will know you really appreciated what was done for you.
3. The Importance of Shoes
When getting dressed each day, be sure that your shoes are well-maintained. People associate the way you take care of your shoes with the way you handle details in the rest of your life.
4. Be Open to New Foods
When you are invited out to eat and are served a food that is not your favorite, try a piece of it anyway. You may be surprised to find that you end up liking it.
5. Ask Questions
When talking with friends and family, always make a point of asking them questions about themselves. People will see you as interesting if you are interested in them.
6. Be Friendly
When you are in school, be cool by making a point to talk with every kid in your class.
7. The Rule of Twelve
When talking with others, always use a form of thanks and the person's name in the first 12 words you speak ("It's good to see you, Mary," or "Thanks for picking me up from soccer, Dad.") By following this rule of 12, people will want to continue to do nice things for you.