Why Is it important to be polite and show good manners when interacting with others

By the time they’re in grade school, children are being taught the importance of good manners and polite interactions with others. But why do we need to teach our kids good manners? What will happen if we don’t? Is it that important to be polite and show good manners when interacting with others? If so, why?

 

Manners are universal

Whether you’re in Mumbai or Miami, Shanghai or San Francisco, people from all over want their kids to behave politely. In fact, good manners are also a great way for kids to fit in wherever they go – at school, church, parties, etc. So how do we get our children on board? Teaching them formal rules like saying please and thank you is an obvious first step but there’s more. 

Here are some general etiquette rules that apply anywhere 

● Be respectful of other people’s time: Don’t interrupt someone who is talking. Wait your turn and listen carefully before you speak. If someone asks you a question, answer it completely before launching into your own story. Ask permission before doing something that might annoy or inconvenience another person (like making noise). It goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that bullying, lying, stealing and violence are never okay!

 

Good manners teach us respect

While teaching your child manners is a relatively minor part of parenting, it could help them become a better person. Having good manners demonstrates respect for other people, which teaches kids to care about how they impact those around them. Kids who are well-mannered may also seem more confident, mature, and trustworthy—all qualities that come in handy as they grow up. Teaching your child appropriate behavior at an early age can give him or her an advantage down the road when navigating complex relationships later in life. 

Additionally, children who know proper etiquette will feel more comfortable interacting with adults in a variety of situations. These lessons can prepare your child for successful interactions at school, work, and beyond. Good manners also teach us how to listen: Sometimes having good manners means being quiet and listening attentively while someone else speaks. This might not sound like much fun but being able to listen is one of our most useful skills because it allows us to learn from others without interruption or distraction.

 

The importance of eye contact in communication

Eye contact is a big part of nonverbal communication and one of our most common ways of showing other people that we are listening to them. It is important not only because it makes us feel like someone is paying attention, but also because there is some scientific evidence that eye contact can actually increase your empathy for other people's feelings. The next time you're talking with someone, think about how you're making or breaking eye contact. 

You'll find you can read them much better by observing their eye movements! Even though many cultures look away during conversations, studies have shown that those who do so tend to exhibit more anger in social situations. A lot of body language guides will tell you to look at someone’s eyes while they speak and to keep your gaze level if they are doing so as well. In addition, direct eye contact has been shown to reduce nervousness in job interviews and even boost cognitive performance in negotiations . However, don't stare at someone too long—it can make them uncomfortable.

 

How kids learn proper body language

Help your child learn how to effectively use body language by showing them how you do it. We’re all guilty of making rude hand gestures or facial expressions in certain situations (which is why we’re comfortable knowing that those around us have seen us do so). The first step is realizing what those situations are, which will help you avoid making bad faces or giving out strange vibes. For example, if a colleague brags about his vacation plans during an early morning meeting, let him know his time will come; stop engaging with him until he apologizes. In another example, teach kids not to sit while standing by someone on public transportation — as doing so leaves little room for others — and always give up your seat for seniors or pregnant women.

 

Etiquette at a restaurant

A restaurant may be a casual environment, but don’t forget your etiquette. Wait staff often juggle many tables at once, so realize that your server has a lot on their plate. Don’t take advantage of them by ordering multiple drinks and appetizers or sending food back; these things can slow down service for other customers. Being too picky about an item you didn’t order will make it difficult for them as well as frustrate any coworkers who get stuck covering your table. 

If you are not satisfied with something, ask to speak with a manager instead of complaining to your server. If there is an issue regarding payment, settle it directly with your server and do not leave money behind for tips in addition to paying for the meal itself. Finally, if you have children in tow, try not to let them run around unsupervised or act out in public areas like seating areas and bathrooms. This isn’t only rude—it could also get you kicked out of restaurants where children aren’t allowed.

 

Etiquette at home

Manners are an essential part of every child’s development. In addition to instilling in your children basic table manners like using utensils, eating quietly, taking turns, and cleaning up after themselves, you can also teach them how to interact with other people. You should try to make sure that your children are kind, considerate of others' feelings, respectful of authority figures and those who need assistance—like elderly adults or disabled people—and capable of listening respectfully as well as speaking politely.

 A few ways you can do so include encouraging politeness from a young age by setting a good example yourself; making sure your kids know how to properly introduce themselves; teaching them about different cultures; talking about diversity and helping them understand why everyone deserves respect; explaining what personal space is and making sure they respect yours; encouraging your kids to say please and thank you; modeling kindness, generosity, empathy, tolerance, sensitivity, honesty, consideration for others' feelings and needs; discussing proper telephone etiquette (what's appropriate to discuss on the phone versus in person); practicing real-life examples such as having conversations over dinner about things happening in their lives instead of watching TV.

 

Other ways parents can instill good manners in children

Examine your own behavior for a moment, especially how you treat people who are working in an establishment where you frequent. Do you treat them like they’re invisible? Have your children heard you talking down to these individuals while they wait on you? Or worse, have they witnessed it? If so, apologize. Then follow up by actively looking for ways that you can be more considerate of those in retail settings—even those who aren’t working directly with you. For example, if there is a food court employee who takes too long at their register or doesn’t clean up after themselves in a timely manner, don’t hesitate to politely point out what went wrong and suggest how they might fix it next time.