Mind Your Manners: Polite and Proper Behavior
It's a great idea to teach children manners at a young age! Saying "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" are important social skills that can help them interact politely with others. Encouraging and modeling good behavior is a great way to teach these skills.
If I had to come up with another one, I would have to say that complimenting others not only makes them feel good but can also improve your mood and help foster positive relationships. Acknowledging someone's strengths and accomplishments is always a nice gesture. Writing thank you notes and addressing them properly was instilled in me at a very early age by my mother. “Dear Auntie Jean” can show appreciation and respect. Our Aunt Jean was offended if anyone didn’t start the note on the card started with “Dear.” Encouraging these practices can have a positive impact on relationships and can instill good manners in children. I have instilled this in my girls, and I think that they appreciate it now that they are older.
Like many young girls in the early 1970s, I went to charm school at Montgomery Wards at my local mall, Lakehurst. In the 1960s and '70s, Montgomery Ward department stores had a Wendy Ward Charm School for teenage girls where we learned things like nail painting, good posture, and etiquette. For those who don’t know about Wendy Ward Charm School, it was a wonderful 6 week finishing and fashion course offered for girls 4 – 19. I went through this program at 13 and it taught me social graces, poise, self-confidence, correct posture, grooming, and fashion. The program even included a fashion show where you wore Montgomery Ward fashions. While I haven't used many of my modeling skills since then, I still remember the manners that I learned.
Each attendee received a handbook at the end of the course. The advice in the handbook seems to be outdated, as it focuses on how a girl should sound and what she should avoid doing when talking to boys. However, the handbook also suggests that a girl's unique characteristics are what make her attractive to boys, which is still relevant today.
Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior is a book written by Judith Martin, a journalist at the Washington Post. The book focuses on conduct and etiquette and is known for its thoroughness in addressing social situations. Miss Manners is a trusted source for etiquette advice, guiding what has changed and what has not in our evolving society. Her latest updated book includes letters, essays, and illustrations, offering witty and wise advice on navigating modern social situations. Etiquette is essential in maintaining a civilized world, and Miss Manners is a great resource to consult for guidance. An article discusses the book by Miss Manners and provides advice on incorporating civility into everyday life, including addressing issues such as cellphone abuse, technology-related faux pas, and using personal occasions as fundraising opportunities. The book is composed of letters from readers followed by Miss Manners' straightforward answers.
So, my question to Miss Manner is, “Is it appropriate to text a thank you note, or must it be handwritten and mailed?” According to Miss Manners, a handwritten thank-you note is the most appropriate way to express gratitude, as it shows extra effort and consideration. However, in modern times, a thoughtful and well-written thank-you text message may also be acceptable, if it is sincere and personalized. Ultimately, the choice depends on the situation and personal preferences.
These are other good manners for kids that you can model and encourage in others and each one has a story of their own:
1. Maintaining eye contact during conversation.
2. Apologizing when necessary.
3. Having a positive attitude and smiling.
4. Engaging in small talk.
5. Asking questions to show interest in others.
How do you thank those that you love?