18 Essential Manners Today’s Youth Aren’t Being Taught
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Teaching manners is an invaluable part of a child’s upbringing, yet certain essential manners often fall by the wayside in today’s fast-paced and digitally-driven world. As society evolves, so do the norms and expectations around courteous behavior. Despite these changes, the core principles of respect, empathy, and consideration remain vital.
Unfortunately, many of today’s youth are not receiving adequate guidance on these essential manners, which can affect their relationships and broader societal cohesion. A Protocol School of Washington survey found that 83% of professionals believe that manners and etiquette are essential in career advancement. Here are 18 fundamental manners that are increasingly overlooked, providing valuable opportunities for parents and teachers to instill in children:
Saying “Thank you,” Please,” and Excuse me.
The first three manners on this list may seem obvious, but they are still worth mentioning. Saying “thank you,” “please,” and “excuse me” shows gratitude, respect, and politeness toward others. These simple words can make a huge difference in how others perceive one.
Making Eye Contact
Eye contact is a simple, powerful way to communicate interest and connection during conversation, lowering friction within relationships. It shows confidence and that the person you engage with is worth your time. In truth, motivating smaller youngsters is tough, but as the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.”
As an example, if they are talking to you about something, maybe fake disinterest in response — to illustrate how getting no engagement on what could be critical info for them sucks. This exercise will show them the importance of presence and connection in conversations.
Shaking Hands
Shaking hands and making an introduction are some of the most important skills individuals must have, as the first impression is always the best. A modest act that exemplifies courtesy equals confidence and business acumen.
By teaching young people how to shake hands correctly and introduce themselves, we give them a skill set that will help them in any social setting.
Chewing With Mouths Closed
It may seem insignificant, but chewing with closed mouths is fundamental in table etiquette and regard for others. It keeps food particles from spraying on others and stops those around you from feeling grossed out while you eat.
In the context of homeschooling, parents can now use this to train and guide their kids along these lines by leading with it and mildly correcting them when they forget.
Holding Doors Open
Holding a door open for another person is a tiny act of kindness that shows that you care about others. Entering a facility, moving into an elevator, or simply passing through a door while holding it open for someone else gives that signal: I am aware of what is occurring around me and will lend a hand to as many people as possible without wanting compensation.
Giving Up One’s Seat
Offering a seat to someone who could use it more is another small but important act of kindness, especially on public transportation, in a waiting room, or at an event. It is thoughtful to think of others and let their needs come before yours.
Teaching youngsters to be more aware and offer their seats if needed can foster a sense of empathy and compassion.
Using ‘Excuse me’ Instead Of Just Interrupting
As hectic as everyday life can be, interruptions are bound to happen. Something we all know can easily be translated into impolite or disrespectful.
Teach your child to say, “Excuse me,” before interrupting while allowing them to understand that he or she, too, is important, not just adults.
Putting The Phone Down When Socializing
We live in an age where it is not uncommon for people to spend much of their time glued to phones, even when in the presence of others. This may be rude or disrespectful, communicating that the person’s attention is elsewhere.
Understanding the importance of youth using social media less and having face-to-face interaction helps build stronger relationships and enhances communication skills.
Using an Indoor Voice
Using your volume and speaking in an indoor voice is a form of respect! This is true for public places and also for private spaces, like somebody else’s home.
To prepare kids for different social situations, teach them to be socially aware so that they understand their environment and know when it might benefit from some volume control.
Waiting Till Everyone is Served To Start Eating
This is an unspoken rule in table manners that indicates patience and respect. Waiting until everyone else has been served (showing you are willing to wait for the people around you) instead of just diving in is considered good etiquette.
This practice harvests patience in the youth, stresses mutual respect for fellow diners, and teaches them to be mindful of others having their meal.
Knocking Before Entering a Room
If you are working at home, in an office, or in a co-working space, respecting one another’s space and privacy is essential. This goes beyond just honoring the individual and their area. When you knock before entering a room, you show awareness of your presence.
Teaching youngsters about the courtesy of knocking and waiting for an invitation sets a solid groundwork for avoiding awkward situations and establishing healthy boundaries.
Waiting For Your Turn to Speak
Interrupting and talking over others is a common habit that can come across as rude and disrespectful. It demonstrates to young individuals the significance of valuing diverse perspectives and the importance of patience, which embodies respect for others’ thoughts and opinions.
Ultimately, this fosters improved listening skills and facilitates more meaningful discussions, enhancing the potential for individual growth and mentorship.
Standing To Greet Someone
When first meeting someone or seeing someone after a long time, standing up when they arrive is a way of showing respect and that you are genuinely excited to see them. It makes the other person feel that you are a warm and friendly person and that they are special and appreciated.
Teaching young people this action will help them learn its value and how to make someone feel included.
Not Reaching Across The Table
Reaching across the table amounts to bad manners when you are with others. Just wait for the item to be passed or say politely, ‘ Can someone please pass that? ‘ This shows respect to everyone around and prevents possible accidents or falls.
It’s great to teach this habit to younger people so that they will know how to survive such situations the next time they are forced into a formal dining scenario.
Clean Up After Yourself
As the famous saying goes, “Leave things better than you found them.” This principle teaches responsibility and respect for shared spaces. By practicing this habit, young people can contribute to a tidier, more pleasant environment for everyone.
Addressing Adults By Miss Mr. Mrs
We must refer to adults by their title(Mr, Mrs, or Miss) and name unless invited to use their name informally. This is a way of honoring their age and recognizing them as authority figures.
Helping children address adults correctly can improve their communication skills and relationships with adult people.
Personal Space Boundaries
This might be in the form of allowing space when talking to someone or avoiding physical contact without consent. If children are taught to respect other people’s personal space from a young age, they will learn how to approach healthy relationships and avoid making others feel uneasy.
Coughs and or Sneeze・・Cover Mouth
Hygiene is also important for everyone’s health. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should cough or sneeze into your mouth using your elbow to keep germs from spreading. You should also scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coughing.
If soap and water are not readily available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help avoid getting sick.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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