Etiquette & Stylish Manners in Little Ones
Good manners are highly important, they are a reflection of our family upbringing, values and society as a whole. There is nothing sweeter than a young child letting someone go ahead of them through a doorway, sharing toys or adding please and thank you to the end of a sentence.
Manners instilled from a young age will have a lasting effect, they ensure self confidence and success for their future. It is how children learn tolerance, consideration and respect for others.
We have compiled a few tips to help stay mindful of others in different social situations….
Dining Out
It’s hard to harness inquisitive little hands and minds in a restaurant. Try to choose a family friendly establishment or take all the necessities you need to keep them busy.
iPad and iPhone’s have loads of tv shows and apps to keep anyone amused for an hour, so order your entree & main {sorry no time for dessert!} and put the volume down to a minimum, other diners would rather hear a little background iNoise over running around screaming noise!
Air plane travel
Get to the departure lounge early and make the kids walk there and back and there again! Stretch out those little legs as much as possible so they are happy to sit and read or watch tv once you’re seated.
Pack little tissue paper wrapped gifts so that it takes as long as possible to start playing with their ‘present’. Decorate the package with little stickers on the outside as a hint, while they guess what’s hiding inside – this really stretches it out and makes the toys seem so much more special.
Reading books and playing quiet games like ‘eye spy’, colouring in or sorting cute flashcards can keep the noise and seat squirming to a minimum, so other passengers can enjoy their flight too.
Grocery Shopping
There are those with enough energy in the day to do peaceful late night shopping, but some of us just can not contemplate dragging the day out past 8pm. If you have to shop with one or more little ones in tow maybe enlisting their help will keep them interested.
Let them hold the shopping list, find and tick off items. If your little one is too small to help, then go at sleep time or you’ll have to run around the aisle’s and get only the necessities!
In the Playground
Make it fun for everyone. Mums need a delicious drink. Little ones need yummy treats. Tiny packets of sultanas or apricots that can easily be shared with new-found friends are a great way to show your little ones how to socialise.
Teach your child good manners by always considering others, encouraging little ones to be fair in taking turns. If you are well rested chat with the other Mums, it’s always nice to share stories with like-minded mums and it’s a great example to your children of how to interact with others.
See our ‘Manners & Etiquette‘ Pinterest Board for more ideas and links.
What manners do you think are the most important?
Further references
Teaching Manners at different ages & stages
Games & Activities to teach manners
Children’s Party Etiquette
