Manners List

In March, Parents magazine inluded an article titled, "25 Manners Every Kid Needs By Age 9."  I would also argue that adults could use an article like this as a little reminder every now and then, though perhaps with some editing.  I was just sorting through a few things in a lame attempt to organize a bit and came across the article.  I was planning to keep it, but as I saw it for the first time since putting it in a random folder in March, I decided that I would instead throw the article away and include its contents here.  Because, really, the odds of it becoming anything more than clutter is pretty slim at this rate.  I hope this isn't violating any copyright or fair use policies, but again, though I agree with nearly all of it (and would even add to it), it is not my own work - it was written by David Lowry, PH.D. and published by Parents magazine.  Here goes:

1. When asking for something, say "Please."
2. When receiving something, say "Thank you."
3. Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency.  They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.
4. If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.
5. When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first.  It can save you from many hours of grief later.
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.
7. Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
8. When people ask how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
9. When you have spent time at your friend's 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's a response - before entering.
11. When you make a phone call, introduce yourself fist and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
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.  Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
14. Don't call people mean names.
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 an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested.  The performers and presenters are doing their best.
17. If you bump into somebody, immediately say, "excuse me."
18. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.
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.
22. When someone helps you, say "thank you."  That person will likely want to help you again.  This is especially true with teachers!
23. Use eating utensils properly.  If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
24. Keep a napkin on your lap and use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
25. Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Here's to hoping my kids have these manners someday...hopefully sooner than later.

(There.  Now I can throw that article in the recycling bin and get back to work.)