CEBU, Philippines - As much as parents would desire, courtesy and respect are not traits that are innately ingrained in a child. Fortunately, kids can be made to learn to be courteous and polite from the time he or she is small. Courteous children will have an edge in their social development. As kids grow into adults, their courteousness will help them feel comfortable and confident in any social setting. They’ll also discover the many benefits that common courtesy has to offer in their personal and professional lives.
Most people would define courtesy as “polite behavior that reflects good manners and respect and kindness to others.” Every parent would want his or her child to display courteous behavior. By starting when the kids are young (toddler age), kids can turn courteousness into a lifelong habit.
Oftentimes, kids emulate the courteous behavior of their parents. In fact, at home is where kids learn their first lessons in courtesy. Kids learn courtesy by copying their parents’ example.
Etiquette and polite behavior means avoiding being sarcastic or overbearing. Kids can start by being courteous to their parents and siblings. Courtesy should be observed by everyone at home.
When a child treats everyone at home with kindness and respect, he or she is likely to get the same treatment in return. When everyone at home are courteous with one another, that’s the way they will treat other people too. And a courteous child is easier to befriend by others children than one with ill manners.
There are many opportunities to practice courteous behavior outside the home – at school, when out shopping, in the park etc. Kids can polish up their courtesy skills in many ways – interact with others politely, answer the phone correctly, eat with good manners at the table, etc., so they will feel comfortable in any environment.
In today’s high tech world of computers, tablets and smart phones, children learn quicker and become smarter at a younger age. These advances in their intellect, however, will do them little good if they don’t learn the social skills needed for getting along with others. Courteous behavior, good manners and respect for others are basic traits that kids shall acquire early on. Courteous behavior shall be an essential part of a child’s training, as important as gaining knowledge at school.
Courtesy shall be a way of life with growing children as with grownups. Courteousness isn’t behavior that’s set aside for special occasions. According to etiquette-network.com founder Robin Thompson, “Behaving politely is a way of life, not just something you pull out when you’re at a wedding or fancy restaurant.” If kids behave one way at home and a totally different way when attending important social gatherings, they will not benefit from the true value that courteous behavior has to offer. Polite behavior should be automatic and a natural part of a child’s life, not something they turn on and off when it suits their fancy.
Children who are courteous and polite have an advantage socially over those who lack manners and respect for others. Courtesy helps kids develop friendships and gain the respect of their parents, siblings, teachers and peers. By learning to be polite at a young age, kids are armed with social skills that will benefit them for years to come.
(Reference: https://nobullying.com)