How to Teach Children Etiquette

Good etiquette is taught, not inherited. Don't let your child be the one that makes others cringe. Teach your children proper etiquette and you will equip them to successfully interact with others in numerous social settings (without embarrassing you).

Instructions

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      Lead by example. Proper etiquette is first learned at home. Since children often mimic their parents, give them something worth imitating. Speak softly to others, listen without interrupting and say "please" and "thank you."

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      Teach your children to show gratitude. There is nothing more frustrating than to not have a gift or kind gesture acknowledged. Teach your children to write thank-you notes to friends and family for birthday or Christmas gifts. In the Internet age, it may seem easier to just shoot someone an impersonal email of thanks. Don't let your children get by with this. Teach them to take the time to personally acknowledge gifts and acts of generosity.

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      Practice phone etiquette. You never want to alienate a potential boss who calls to schedule your interview with a child who can't be bothered to even take down his name. If your child can talk then they can learn how to answer the phone properly while you're in the shower. This can be done with humor by calling your home phone with your cell to practice with your child. Make sure you have a notepad by your phone at all times for this task.

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      Have meals at the dinner table. These days, it seems that many people are too busy to eat at the same time. However, it is crucial to eat your meals together if you are going to build proper table manners in your children. The simple act of waiting until everyone is seated before eating or waiting until everyone is finished before leaving the table will go a long way in future social settings. Don't allow your children to chew with their mouths half full of food or speak too loudly at the table. Ignoring table manners may come back to embarrass you when your coworker invites your family to dinner.

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