The Importance of Good Manners for Kids

There was once a big celebrity named Fred Astaire. While today’s kids may not have heard of Fred Astaire, he was one of the biggest stars of his day, one of the greatest dancers of all time in film and on Broadway, as well as famous as an actor and singer. But even if Fred Astaire is no longer known to many kids today, he remains a good example about manners and personal conduct for kids today.

Fred Astaire was always well dressed, immaculately groomed, and was ever a gentleman. He felt strongly about the importance of good manners. By the way he carried himself, Fred Astaire posed a challenge for young people to learn and practice good manners.

There are a lot of negative influences that surround young people, especially these days. With most parents both working, there may not be enough opportunities to instill good manners at home, and growing kids may get used to seeing very poor manners displayed by many of their friends at school, or by witnessing lot of “improper conduct” on television.

But despite all the negative influences, young people may garner personal strength to practice good manners and treat others in respectful ways. This way they may gain an important social advantage over many of their peers and friends. While back in Fred Astaire’s day kids “don’t speak until you are spoken to,” these days it is acceptable for young people to speak up (in a polite way) about their own beliefs, ideas, and thoughts – even when these are not the same as those held by their elders.

Today’s kids are encouraged to speak up their mind. Parents and other adults only expect kids to show polite manners and general obedience. Parents and other caring adults generally have much more experience than kids when it comes to important life issues, and it is their job to look after the kids’ best interest.

Because of more open communications, many of today’s parents can do a great job of teaching young people the importance of good manners – not only in communicating, but in other ways as well. It is very important for kids to understand the concept of good manners and to start putting these into actual practice. 

Kids may start with the habit of saying “please” and thank you.” These small but important words can be beneficial in countless ways. Even if others around do not use these words, kids will be positively noticed and admired by almost everyone around them – adults and their peers alike – for having good manners and social graces.

People determine one’s value to them, in great part, by the way the person makes them feel when they are in contact with him or her.  Showing good manners in one’s speech reveals that he has respect for others as well as for himself – and others will find him much more enjoyable to be around.  Truth is, people would much rather be with someone who is nice and well-mannered than those who are not.  Elva Romarate