I'm going to sound about 1,000 years old saying this, but I'm flat out appalled by the manners of some children today … or lack thereof. I don't expect curtsies and kids that know which fork to use for each course, but I also don't expect little ruffians with no regard for proper behavior.
My children are not perfect — oh far from it. I feel like I'm a constant refrain of "manners, please," and I shudder to think what they do when I'm not around. But we're working on it, because as old-fashioned as some rules of etiquette may seem, I'm a firm believer that manners do matter in big ways and in small. It's a learning process for sure and it takes work (no one is born with manners), but it's worth it. Here are 10 basic manners all kids should master by the time they're 10 … at least most of the time.
Which manners do you think are most important for kids to learn?
Image via steven depolo/Flickr
Not to Pick Their Nose
To Cover Their Mouth When They Cough or Sneeze
To Eat With Utensils Instead of Their Hands
To Chew With Their Mouth Closed
How to Say Excuse Me When They Bump Into Someone or Burp
To Hold the Door for Those Coming Behind Them
Not to Interrupt
To Knock on Closed Doors Before Entering
How to Look People in the Eye When Talking to Them
How to Consistently Say Please and Thank You
