15 Good Manners Kids Don’t Know Today—But Should
As society evolves, so too do our customs and manners. While modern technology and changing social norms have brought many improvements, some traditional manners have fallen by the wayside.
Many of the courtesies that used to be commonplace in children are now rarely seen. These manners once taught kids respect, kindness, and thoughtfulness.
Here are 15 manners that kids seem to have lost touch with in today’s fast-paced, digital world—and why they still matter.
Saying “Please” and “Thank You”
Basic polite expressions like “please” and “thank you” have become less frequent. Teaching children these simple words of courtesy helps them show respect and gratitude for others.
Greeting Others with a Handshake or Hello
The custom of greeting someone with a firm handshake or a polite “hello” has become less common. This simple gesture once conveyed respect and acknowledgment but is often overlooked today.
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Holding the Door for Others
Holding the door open for someone used to be an automatic sign of kindness. Now, many kids have forgotten this small but thoughtful gesture that demonstrates consideration for others.
Writing Thank-You Notes
In the age of instant communication, handwritten thank-you notes have largely disappeared. This practice once taught kids gratitude and the importance of acknowledging gifts or favors.
Addressing Adults with Respectful Titles
Kids used to be taught to address adults as Mr., Mrs., or Ms., but this formality has faded. Using respectful titles is a simple way for children to show respect to their elders.
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Table Manners
The practice of sitting politely at the table, using utensils properly, and engaging in conversation has diminished. Teaching kids good table manners is not only polite but also helps them feel confident in social settings.
Waiting Their Turn to Speak
Interrupting conversations has become more common among kids who have lost the habit of waiting their turn. Patience and listening are essential manners that promote respectful dialogue and consideration.
Covering Their Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing
Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing is a basic hygiene practice that seems to have been forgotten. This simple act is both courteous and necessary for preventing the spread of germs.
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Asking Permission Before Taking Something
The habit of asking permission before taking or using someone else’s belongings has become rare. Teaching children to ask first shows respect for other people’s property and boundaries.
Apologizing Sincerely
Apologies have become more of a formality than a sincere expression of regret. Teaching kids to apologize genuinely helps them take responsibility for their actions and mend relationships.
Respecting Personal Space
With the rise of digital interactions, respecting personal space in physical settings has diminished. It’s important to teach kids to recognize and respect others' boundaries in both digital and real-life spaces.
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Responding When Spoken To
It’s becoming increasingly common for kids to ignore questions or comments from adults. Responding when spoken to is a basic sign of respect and shows engagement in conversation.
Offering to Help Others
The habit of offering help to those in need—whether carrying something or assisting an elderly person—has waned. Encouraging kids to look for ways to be helpful fosters kindness and empathy.
Saying “Excuse Me”
“Excuse me” used to be a common phrase when interrupting, bumping into someone, or passing by. Teaching children to use this phrase politely shows respect for others’ space and time.
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Making Eye Contact During Conversations
Eye contact during conversation has become less common, especially with the distractions of technology. Teaching kids to make eye contact helps build confidence and shows that they are paying attention and engaging with others.
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