Raising Kids Big Kids Child Development Social Development 25 Manners Kids Should Know Need an etiquette refresher? Helping your child master this list of good manners will get him noticed — for all the right reasons. By Parents Editors Published on July 14, 2015 Share Tweet Pin Email 01 of 29 sarahnoda/shutterstock.com Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on teaching etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child. 8 Ways to Practice Good Manners 11 Basic Manners Kids Often Forget 02 of 29 Manner #1 Shannon Greer When asking for something, say "Please." 03 of 29 Manner #2 Shannon Greer When receiving something, say "Thank you." How to Teach Good Manners to Toddlers 04 of 29 Manners & Responsibility: 3 Manners All Kids Should Know 05 of 29 Manner #3 Image Source/ Veer 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. Mrs. McVeigh's Manners: Teaching Kids Good Etiquette 06 of 29 Manner #4 Image Source/ Veer 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 Tips for Raising Children Who Aren't Spoiled 07 of 29 Manner #5 Image Source/ Veer When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later. 08 of 29 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. 09 of 29 Manner #7 Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome. What to Do When Someone Is Different 10 of 29 Manner #8 Reed Davis When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are. 11 of 29 Manners & Responsibility: Getting Your Child to Listen 12 of 29 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. Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style? Teach Table-Setting Manners with Printable Place Mats 13 of 29 Manner #10 Dreamstime Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering. 14 of 29 Manner #11 When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling. 15 of 29 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. 16 of 29 Manner #13 Robyn Lehr Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant. 17 of 29 Manner #14 Alexandra Grablewski Don't call people mean names. Teaching Kids Cell Phone Etiquette 18 of 29 Manner #15 Christa Renee Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel. 19 of 29 Manner #16 iStock 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. 20 of 29 Manner #17 Fancy Photography/Veer If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me." 21 of 29 Manner #18 Alexandra Grablewski Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public. 22 of 29 Manner #19 Frank Heckers As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else. 12 "Food Crimes" Kids Commit 23 of 29 Manner #20 Jill Chen/ istock 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. 24 of 29 Manner #21 Fancy Photography/ Veer When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile. 25 of 29 Manner #22 Fancy Photography/ Veer When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers! Thank-Yous Teachers Will Love 26 of 29 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. 27 of 29 Manner #24 Werner Straube Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary. Table Manners Around the World 28 of 29 Manner #25 Fancy Photography/ Veer Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed. Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine. 29 of 29 Manners & Responsibility: Chores Kids Can (and Should) Do Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit