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Social Etiquette for Kids

Saptakee Sengupta
Social etiquette for kids is a question that needs to be justified with proper explanations. Social etiquette as a whole constitutes humane qualities that must be nurtured right from a tender age for moral growth and development of kids. Read on...
Cupping his hands on his chin and eyes glued to the television set, your child is least bothered to pay attention to his friend who has come so eagerly to invite him for his birthday party. And you do not really consider it as an etiquette to welcome his friend in your house.
Standing at the door step, he hands you over the invitation card and you close the door immediately after he leaves. This was the true picture of behavior of many families who are not aware of social values and the importance of mannerisms that etch an impression everywhere.
From this example, a negative side of your kid's behavior has been portrayed that would definitely isolate him from friends and peers as he grows up in society. Therefore, it's your prime responsibility to make him understand the social values that include etiquette, good manners and other qualities that lead to personal development.
Social etiquette is connoted with a person's social behavior that delineates his upbringing and his code of conduct in a multi-ethnic society. Although there are no specified norms that your kid has to follow, a certain degree of courtesy must be present in his behavior that would be commendable.
Social etiquette for kids, thus becomes a subject of concern that should be dealt with utmost precision for inculcating humane qualities and also for supporting moral growth of your child.

Teaching Social Etiquette to Kids

Social etiquette is associated with the qualities that an individual must possess in order to earn a good reputation in the society where he is living. The quality of an individual's social life matters a lot in deciding his character. Right from childhood, kids must be taught different ways to practice social etiquette.
A well mannered child is always recognized by every member of the society to which he belongs and this also brings pride and happiness to parents. Take a look at the rightful ways for teaching children to practice social etiquette.

Respecting Elders

You must always teach your child to respect his elders. Whether it's his family members or his neighbors, respectfulness is an etiquette that must be present in your child. There are certain gestures that symbolize respect for the person with whom one is interacting.
Kids should be taught in simple terms that would be easy for them to practice. In this regard, ask him to greet his elders while coming across, help elders in every possible way and honor them whenever required. These are some small qualities that make a huge difference in a person's character.

Being Friendly

The example cited in introductory paragraph is a typical instance of an unfriendly attitude towards friends, which is absolutely wrong.
Teaching your kid to be friendly means allowing him to mix freely with other kids dwelling in the society and treating them well if they happen to visit your house.Thus, let your kid play and gel up with his peers during leisure hours.
Having good friends around right from a tender age is necessary for sharing thoughts and spending fun filled moments together. Knowing each other also helps in establishing proper coordination while taking part in social activities.

Helping Attitude

Helping others when they actually need it is a service so divine. If your kid knows that he should help his aging grandfather to take a walk, assist his dad in gardening or his mom in doing household activities, it would make him a good human being.
If he is blessed with these qualities, then you need not worry. Or else you have to teach him moral virtues. The lesson would prove useful when you teach him with examples. In return, appreciate his help and praise his good habits. When an helping attitude develops in your kid, you can also rely on him with responsibilities.

Code of Conduct

Your child's behavior will always reflect your upbringing. If you fail to teach him the virtues that a human being must possess, then chances of picking up bad habits is quite likely to happen. Politeness and courtesy in speech, soft spoken and patient are those refined qualities that you should nurture in your kids.
Although it's difficult to cultivate patience within kids, you can still give a try by making them aware of the harmful consequences of anger and impatience. Some simple social etiquette tips that you can give your kids are, saying thank you, welcome, it's my pleasure, I'm sorry, etc., whenever required.
Remember that the character and behavior of your kid to a large extent will depend upon your upbringing. With simple ways and good teaching therapies, you can definitely win over their hearts. And etiquette and good virtues will automatically be instilled in them.