Ten Signs Your Child Is Rude

Vocabulary Clues

• The vocabulary he uses in conversations with others might be one of your first clues. He might not use profanity, but name-calling, cutting peers down, unflattering descriptive phrases and negative comments might all lead to a perception of rudeness.

Tone of Voice

• A normal child's voice is playful and innocent. A rude and thoughtless child's voice might be much louder and much more brusque than necessary. It can also be demanding or retaliatory. Keep an ear out for these indications of impoliteness when listening to in-person or telephone conversations.

Body Language Indicators

• Body language might be a stronger indicator of rudeness in your child. Hands on hips, leaning heavily into another person's space or aggressively pushing one's chest out while in conversation are all indicative of rude behavior.

Facial Expressions

• Examine your child's face as he interacts with others. A happy child will have a smooth and clear profile. If it is drawn up in a sneer or look of anger and disgust, you might want to address the situation. Eyes squeezed almost shut and pursed lips might be a sign of an imminent explosive.

Actions and Activity

• Aggressive and abrupt actions such as slamming doors, banging on surfaces, loudly tapping or rapping on tables or desks and even throwing items are indicators of rudeness. Correct your child immediately if you observe any of these aggressive actions because they can be dangerous to bystanders.

Lack of Social Etiquette

• Simple statements such as "please" and "thank you" might not be natural to your child. He will have to be reminded to hold a door open for someone or allow a visiting relative to be served first at the supper table. Calmly reminding him of his manners whenever he strays from normal etiquette can help him get on track.

Lack of Empathy

• A youngster who cannot understand how his actions affect another person's feelings can be seen as rude. The failure to be able to put oneself in another's shoes can produce a child that is selfish and uncaring. A parent can admonish their child when they lack understanding of another's distress by pointing out and describing how that person probably feels.

Relationships

• A rude child will have difficulty forming friendships and other personal bonds. His rude actions often will deter any type of social interactions and invitations. If he truly wished to have companionship, he will have to soften his approaches and become a friendlier and more approachable person.

Reputation

• A child who does not care about the feelings of others will develop a reputation among his peers of being rude. He might be left out of social events and peer groups, and likely will have a somewhat solitary existence.

General Attitude

• The general attitude of a rude child will be of a challenging nature. He might be insecure and act out in a manner to gain attention or make himself feel that he is in control of a circumstance. As a parent, you might find it helpful to give him extra attention at home and make a point to praise him when he make positive efforts at becoming more sociable, friendly and less rude.