Etiquette for school-age children: rules and behaviors

Any society involves certain rules and norms of behavior, called etiquette. In the modern world, alas, even adults do not always adhere to them, but at least they are able to answer for their actions themselves. In the case of a lack of ethics in children of school age, it should be a shame to everyone - the little offenders themselves, and their parents, and teachers.

Etiquette is often perceived as a kind of unified system, but in the complex world of the 21st century, no less than two dozen branches of ethics stand out. Not all of them can be useful for schoolchildren by virtue of their age, but a good half are even about toddlers. Parents, explaining to their child, the peculiarities of the rules of behavior, should describe the norms adopted in a number of situations.

• Output etiquette describes the characteristics of behavior in public places, such as theater, cinema. The importance of this area lies in the fact that here the interaction occurs with strangers who are unlikely to reduce the existing problem to a joke.
• Guest ethics tells what to do at a party, so as not to offend the owner. Children love to go to visit, so you should tell them how to make it so that you always want to be a welcome visitor.
• Rules of conduct in public transport relevant for those children who regularly use the bus or subway to get to school or to classes in a circle. These rules in many respects resemble similar recommendations for public places, but differ by closer (sometimes literally) contact with others.
• Speech etiquette forms public opinion about a person regardless of where he is. Children from an early age should know that politeness is the key to success in any situation, and rude and obscene expressions are completely unacceptable.

• Family Etiquette determines the specifics of family relationships. This branch of ethics is perhaps the least standardized, since the degree of equality between the elders and the youngest in each family is determined individually.
• Table behavior teach the child that even a way of eating can influence the negative perception of a person by others.
• Telephone etiquette In recent decades, it has expanded substantially as a concept, since it now also includes the rules for communicating via e-mail and social networks. He prescribes how to behave in situations when you communicate with a person you do not see.
• Educational etiquette - these are rules of behavior in schools and other similar educational institutions. Perhaps, this aspect will be given maximum influence already within the walls of an educational institution, but still it is better for a first grader to know at least some basics before sitting down at a desk for the first time.

Probably, there are no such parents who, even subconsciously, did not understand the meaning of the rules of etiquette, however, the question remains open as to when to begin teaching the child. Often there is a conflict between mothers, fathers and children because of the unwillingness of the children to fulfill the demands of adults, but the reason for this may not be the blatant irresponsibility of the child, but only age characteristics.

It should be understood that learning etiquette can occur unconsciously, as the baby learns a lot just by watching others. From the very birth of a child, his family members must be role models - this reduces the likelihood that he will “pick up” bad manners. Phrases like "bon appetit" or "thank you" can be addressed to the crumbs at the right time, even when he still clearly does not understand their meaning.

The assimilation of the rules at this stage is due to the thematic games, the task of which is to more actively use all the same words of politeness. It’s far from a fact that the child will immediately understand, understand all the recommendations, but it’s not permissible to scold him for it at such an age. However, if the kid makes some obvious violations of the rules, he definitely needs to say about it. The little intruder should feel that he has done something wrong, but you should not bring him to tears.

After reaching the age of four, you can begin to inculcate in your child etiquette of all the industries listed above. This issue is also dealt with by teachers in kindergarten and school, but the main responsibility still lies with the parents. From this point on, the baby’s social circle is expanding, and the task of adults now is also to follow the circle of communication of the child. A child at this stage of his life still does not understand the difference between good and bad, so he can easily adopt bad manners from a person who does not want to behave well.

Each branch of etiquette has a good dozen of its own rules, but for instinctive orientation in any situation. the student should know at least the most important positions.

• Politeness towards others regardless of their status and age is required. You should use the generally accepted forms of greeting and farewell, requests and expressions of gratitude. Even accidentally ignoring such simple actions can be a cause for resentment or malice.
• Older people deserve an increased share of respect - in dealing with them, familiarity should be avoided (at a minimum). People of retirement age or with disabilities often need outside help, and schoolchildren are among those who must provide it first. This rule is especially important in the conditions of public transport: if there are no more empty seats, and you sit - give way to an elderly person or disabled person.
• A person is always met by clothes, that is, by appearance. Outside the house, meeting with strangers is guaranteed, so you always need to look so as not to be the object of ridicule or condemnation. Cleanliness and neatness are obligatory characteristics for any member of society. According to the same proverb, they see off the mind, but the constant disregard for the rules of cleanliness lowers even genius in the eyes of others.

• Elementary courtesy rules include avoiding the use of harsh words and coercive methods to resolve a conflict. Even if the second side is older and stronger, it’s not good to fight. Schoolchildren are strictly forbidden to drink and smoke.
• Do not violate people's personal space, even if you know them well. In crowded places it is unacceptable to shout loudly or laugh, to attract everyone's attention, to listen to loud music without headphones. In the crowded conditions of public transport, it is possible to interfere with others even by relatively quiet telephone conversations. It is also not recommended to be too actively interested in someone else's life (for example, pry into someone else's gadget).

Teaching video with the first lessons of courtesy for children, see below.