Manner #1
When asking for something, say “Please.”
Manner #2
When receiving something, say “Thank you.”
Manner #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.
Manner #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.
Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
Manner #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.
Manner #7
Do not comment on other people’s physical characteristics unless, of course, it’s to compliment them, which is always welcome.
Manner #8
When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
Manner #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.
Manner #10
Knock on closed doors — and wait to see if there’s a response — before entering.
Manner #11
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
Manner #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.
Manner #13
Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
Manner #14
Don’t call people mean names.
Manner #15
Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
Manner #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.
Manner #17
If you bump into somebody, immediately say “Excuse me.”
Related: Quiz: What’s Your Parenting Style?
Manner #18
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don’t pick your nose in public.
Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
Manner #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.
Manner #21
When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.
Related: Use this Table-Setting Map as a Guide
Manner #22
When someone helps you, say “thank you.” That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
Manner #23
Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
Related: Mrs. McVeigh Weighs in on Proper Utensil Use and More!
Manner #24
Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
Manner #25
Don’t reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.
Manner #26
Don’t excerpt to troll for hits.
I’d be thrilled if more adults remembered # 11! I work at a help desk, and about 20% of our callers jump right into the problem without introducing themselves.
Until you're around 13 and male...then remember it is NOT appropriate to tell your 20-something neighbor that she has "a great rack and an amazing a$$."
Uphere there is supposed to be this “Minnesota Nice”, which is anything but. These rules are broken regularly. Manner 14 often invokes being ignored if you were not part of the person’s junior high clique. Yes, that even applies to people in their fifties.
And then I go home to the Texas Hill Country, get addressed as sir by some kid, not being cheeky, but just having a value system from another time...
Manner #17
There was a young girl sitting in front of me in some bleachers recently and she accidentally bumped my knee a few times. Each time she turned around and made eye contact and apologized. Her parents seem to be doing a fine job so far.
Number 11 is a pet peeve of mine. When you call somebody, the first thing you should do is identify yourself...but most people call and immediately demand, “Who is this?”. It would be like me going up to someone’s door wearing a mask and asking the homeowner to tell me his name.
They are good, except #20. Never do anything alone with a “neighbor” or other non approved supervisor. It’s too dangerous. Of course helping your parents, grandparents, teacher (while in class ONLY!), and older sibs is fine.
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Are you going to give credit to the original publications aor just steal it. It is from a parenting mag so you should give credit.
Then there would be no internet.