Manners matter.  They matter for both children and adults. And I don’t believe I’m the only one who feels this way.  Maybe those of us who have “lived a bit more life” feel strongly about this, but I do have younger peers who agree with this sentiment as well.  The idea for this blog came from my dear friend, Lori, with whom I share many values.  She is a role model for me as a woman of faith and also as a new grandmother.   As we were talking about our new roles, we shared that teaching our grandchildren “manners” is very important to us.

How can we do this in a natural way that doesn’t feel like we are teaching or preaching?  We want to teach manners to our children or grandchildren in a natural way that just flows from a normal day. Well, maybe BOOKS can help us do this!

Sitting down to read a book with your “little” can lead to conversations and lessons that last throughout the day and week and beyond.  Should you read a book like The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners by Stan Berenstain and  Jan Berenstain,  you will have lots of laughs together.  Then, you can have some follow-up conversations about what the characters did that was rude and what was polite.  When those situations arise in real life, you can reflect back on the story and apply the correct behavior.   Hopefully, this won’t seem disciplinary, but will be a natural conversation that flows from earlier story time.

There are so many areas of teaching manners or etiquette:  manners for the table, manners for conversations, manners about what’s appropriate in public or not, manners for talking on the phone, manners about proper “dress” for specific events, manners for the classroom, manners during church, about being punctual and on time, and the list goes on!  There are some books out there that cover general  manners in a teaching format, like A Kids’ Guide to Manners: 50 Fun Etiquette Lessons for Kids (and Their Families) by Katherine Flannery and Teach Your Dragon Manners: Train Your Dragon To Be Respectful. A Cute Children Story to Teach Kids About Manners, Respect and How to Behave by Steve Herman.

There also children’s books that teach manners for specific occasions and situations, such as this series by Carrie Lynn Flinn:

Manners in Public by Carrie Lynn Finn (Author), Chris Lensch (Illustrator)

Manners at the Table by Carrie Lynn Finn (Author), Chris Lensch (Illustrator)

Manners at School by Carrie Lynn Finn (Author), Chris Lensch (Illustrator)

Manners on the Playground by Carrie Lynn Finn (Author), Chris Lensch (Illustrator)

Manners in the Lunchroom by Carrie Lynn Finn (Author), Chris Lensch (Illustrator)

I have to admit, I was encouraged when I started investigating and found so many children’s books on manners!  This can really help us as caregivers; these books can give validity to the fact that these good behaviors matter, that treating people with respect and kindness is always a good thing.  Teachers will thank you, grandparents will appreciate you, and even strangers in the store will admire your efforts.  You know what I’m talking about!  As a former teacher, I have to literally hold my tongue when I’m in public and a four year old is controlling Mom with rude words and demands. 

BOOKING TIME WITH OUR KIDS can reap so many benefits.  Reading about manners, having follow up conversations with our kiddoes, and naturally applying what is learned is just good stuff.  I guarantee, many of us wandering the aisles at Target WILL TAKE NOTICE and applaud your parental efforts.

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