Manners

I was reading through things today and came across this article, 25 Manners Every Kid Should Know Before Age 9. Hopefully I can teach these to Ezra before he is 9! :) I will copy the list for you, I thought it was interesting.

1. When asking for something, say 'Please'. -most kids know this one pretty early on
2. When receiving something, say 'Thank You ' - also one kids usually know
3. Do not interrupt grown-ups who are talking to eachother unless its an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking. -I don't know many kids that are good at this one....
4. If you need to get someone's attention right away, use the phrase 'excuse me', it is the most polite way to enter a conversation.
5. When you have any doubt about doing something, ask for permission first. It can save many hours of grief later. -so true.
6.The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults. - I have been working on this one myself.
7. Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome. -kids say the darndest things!
8. When people ask how you are, tell them and ask how they are.
9. When you have spent time at a friends house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
10. Knock on closed doors and wait to see if there is a response before entering.
11. When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask to speak with the person you are calling. -most adults don't even do this.
12. Be appreciative and say 'thank you' for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank you note can have a powerful effect.
13. Never use foul language in front of adults. -I would say don't use them at all, they make you sound ignorant and unoriginal.
14. Don't call people mean names. -almost inevitable for kids.
15. Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
16.Even if a play or assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretent you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best. - this is a tough one.
17. If you bump into someone, immediately say 'excuse me'.
18. Cover your mouth with you cough and sneeze, and do not pick your nose in public. -or pick your nose at all....
19. As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
20. If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say 'yes', do so--you may learn something new.
21. When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile. -ugh!
22. When someone helps you, say 'thank you'. That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers! -not sure this is true, but my kids better say thank you! :)
23. Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do. - I would add, chew with your mouth closed to this one...
24. Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
25. Don't reach for things at the table, ask to have them passed.

Some of these obviously are more important than others. But I would agree that people should know these and try to teach their children. I will be trying my best! But I have some time. My little boy is only 3 1/2 weeks old. :)