In the busy world we live in today, good manners are often a secondary thought—but they shouldn’t be. At Dr. Kishore’s Ratnam Schools, we think that education is more than just books. True education consists of character development, and character is at the center of good etiquette.
Good manners aren’t all about learning which fork to use for dinner. Good manners are about kindness, empathy, respect, and confidence, values that define a child’s character and success in social and academic environments.
Etiquette instruction begins at home, and we are here to guide you through it.
Why Etiquette is Important in a Child’s Life
Before delving into how to teach etiquette, let’s discuss why etiquette is so important:
- Creates Respect: Teaching children to use “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” helps them respect others as well as themselves.
- Enhances Social Skills: Well-mannered children find it simpler to be friends and interact confidently with teachers, schoolmates, as well as adults.
- Improves Self-Confidence: Etiquette provides children with a set of guidelines on what to do so that they will feel more at ease when dealing with social encounters.
- Reflects Family and School Values: Kids take the values they learn at home and school with them into the larger world. Etiquette shows the type of person they’re developing.
Ways to Teach Etiquette
1. Start Early and Lead by Example
Kids are born imitators. If you model respectful behavior, they’ll likely do the same. Say “thank you” to the waiter, greet your neighbors nicely, and apologize when necessary.
Tip: Turn everyday situations into teaching moments. When your child observes you holding the door for another person or waiting patiently in line, point it out and tell them why it’s the courteous thing to do.
2. Teach the Fundamentals of Courtesy
Begin with simple yet effective words:
- Please
- Thank you
- Excuse me
- Sorry
- You’re welcome
These little words make a big difference. Practicing them regularly at home means they will come easily to your child in the real world.
Practice Idea: Make it a game! Make a “Politeness Chart” and give gold stars or smiley stickers for using polite words regularly.
3. Encourage Respectful Talk
Good manners go beyond table manners, it’s also about how we talk to people. Ask your child to:
- Make eye contact when speaking
- Not interrupt
- Listen attentively
- Talk in a calm voice
Instilling in your child the value of listening is as important as teaching them to talk politely. This fosters empathy and enables them to relate to others.
Role Play Activity: Act out attending a family dinner or school party. Practice saying hello, introductions, and courteous conversation. Keep it light and engaging.
4. Table Manners Begin at Home
Meals with the family are a golden moment to impart table manners. Begin with the fundamentals:
- Wash your hands before eating
- Sit properly at the table
- Use cutlery correctly
- Chew with your mouth closed
- Avoid talking with food in your mouth
- Wait for everyone to be served before starting
Pro Tip: Have an occasional “formal dinner night” at home. Use cloth napkins, set the table neatly, and guide your child through each step.
5. Digital Etiquette is the New Essential
In the age of the internet, manners aren’t only for the dinner table, manners are also for the screen. With kids going digital earlier and earlier, it is important to instill good online manners.
Make your child learn to:
- Ask before taking someone’s picture
- Do not use devices during meals or conversations
- Do not share personal information online
- Never post anything rude or inappropriate
Discussion Point: Sit down with your child and draft a “Family Tech Agreement” that includes respectful use of digital devices and social media.
6. Teach Gratitude and Kindness
Etiquette is not about formality, it’s about thoughtfulness. Teach acts of kindness, such as:
- Writing thank-you notes
- Sharing with friends or siblings
- Helping someone in need
These behaviors teach empathy and build a sense of community in children.
Kindness Jar: Keep a jar where your child puts in a note each time they perform an act of kindness. Read them over together weekly—it’s a wonderful confidence builder!
7. Be Consistent, Not Perfectionist
Consistency is more important than perfection when teaching etiquette. Children will forget or stumble, but reminders and encouragement go a long way. Don’t scold or embarrass your child for mistakes—correct with kindness.
Mindful Tip: Rather than “Don’t speak with your mouth full!” say, “Let’s recall to chew slowly before we talk.”
8. Honor Cultural Etiquette
India is a country steeped in tradition and customs. Encouraging children to learn cultural etiquette, such as touching elders’ feet, greeting with a “Namaste,” or removing shoes before going into a house, gives richness to their moral education.
We at Dr. Kishore’s Ratnam Schools combine respect for Indian culture with an international perspective. Teach your child to value both.
9. Reinforce Etiquette at School
A strong home-school partnership reinforces such lessons. Discuss the etiquette that your child is being taught at school with the teachers and seek ways to carry over those lessons at home.
School-to-Home Idea: Thank the teacher or write to their classmates a thank-you note after school parties or class events.
Final Thoughts
Good etiquette is not being uptight—it’s being thoughtful, respectful, and considerate. When kids are raised on these principles, they not only are better students, but also better friends, citizens, and future leaders.
We believe in shaping well-rounded individuals at Dr. Kishore’s Ratnam Schools. In addition to academic success, we impart values that equip your child for life outside the classroom.
So, begin small. A “thank you” today becomes a lifetime habit tomorrow.