17 Polite Habits That Have Fallen by the Wayside in Modern Parenting
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, some of the time-honored manners that previous generations considered essential are gradually fading away. Modern parenting styles, which often prioritize self-expression and autonomy, sometimes overlook the teaching of certain polite behaviors that were once universally expected.
While children today are raised with new skills to navigate the digital world, they may be missing out on the fundamental courtesies that help maintain respect, consideration, and harmony in social interactions. Here are 17 good manners that are slowly dying out, thanks to modern parenting.
Saying “Please” and “Thank You”
Basic courtesies like saying “please” and “thank you” are becoming less common in everyday interactions. These simple phrases show respect and appreciation but are often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world.
Children who aren’t encouraged to use these words may come across as entitled or rude. Using “please” and “thank you” fosters kindness and polite conversation.
These courtesies are small but powerful in maintaining social harmony.
Writing Thank-You Notes
Thank-you notes were once a standard way to express gratitude after receiving a gift or favor. Today, many kids send a quick text or skip the gesture altogether, which can feel impersonal.
Handwritten thank-you notes show thoughtfulness and effort, leaving a lasting positive impression. This dying practice reflects a loss of deeper appreciation in modern communication.
Encouraging thank-you notes teaches gratitude in a tangible way.
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Holding the Door for Others
Holding the door for someone used to be a common courtesy, but it’s becoming less frequent. This simple act of kindness shows respect and consideration for others, yet many children aren’t taught its importance.
Holding the door open can make someone’s day a little brighter and fosters mutual respect. It’s a gesture that acknowledges others and promotes politeness in public spaces.
Teaching this habit helps cultivate awareness of others' needs.
Waiting Your Turn to Speak
Patience in conversation is a skill that is increasingly neglected. Many children today interrupt or speak over others, prioritizing their own thoughts over listening.
Waiting your turn to speak teaches respect for others' opinions and helps develop good communication habits. This simple courtesy can improve relationships by showing attentiveness and consideration.
Conversations flow more smoothly when interruptions are minimized.
Standing When Greeting Someone
Standing up when meeting or greeting someone was once a sign of respect, especially for elders or those in positions of authority. Today, this practice is often overlooked, with many opting for a more casual approach.
Standing during introductions or greetings shows attentiveness and respect for the other person. It’s a gesture that conveys formality and politeness, reinforcing positive social interactions.
Teaching this behavior encourages respectful first impressions.
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Addressing Adults with Titles and Last Names
Using titles like “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Ms.” followed by a last name was once a universal sign of respect. Nowadays, children often address adults by their first names, which can blur the lines of authority and respect.
Teaching children to use titles and last names fosters respect for adults and professional boundaries. It sets a tone of formality, especially in school or formal settings.
This habit also emphasizes the importance of respect in hierarchical relationships.
Offering Your Seat to Elders
Offering your seat to an elderly person, pregnant woman, or someone in need used to be a given. Today, fewer children are taught this simple act of kindness, resulting in missed opportunities to help others.
Offering a seat shows awareness and respect for those who may need it more. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in someone’s day.
This habit reinforces empathy and consideration for others.
Saying “Excuse Me”
Whether passing by someone or trying to get someone’s attention, saying “excuse me” is a basic courtesy that is fading. Many children today don’t use this polite phrase, which can lead to rudeness or misunderstandings.
“Excuse me” is a phrase that signals respect for others’ space and time. It helps avoid unnecessary conflict or discomfort in social situations.
Encouraging this habit can promote smoother, more respectful interactions.
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Dining Etiquette
Proper dining etiquette, from using utensils correctly to waiting until everyone is served before eating, is less emphasized in modern parenting. Today’s more casual dining habits often overlook these important social skills.
Teaching children dining etiquette prepares them for formal settings and encourages good manners at the table. It shows respect for the dining experience and for those sharing the meal.
Good table manners reflect a person’s upbringing and consideration for others.
Offering a Proper Handshake
A firm, confident handshake was once a staple of good manners in introductions and business interactions. However, many children today aren’t taught how to give a proper handshake, often substituting it with casual gestures.
A good handshake conveys confidence, respect, and professionalism in both social and business settings. It helps make a positive first impression and establishes mutual respect.
Teaching this skill prepares kids for adult social and professional interactions.
Covering Your Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing
Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing is a simple yet important courtesy that helps prevent the spread of germs. However, many children today aren’t consistently reminded to do this.
This small act shows consideration for the health and well-being of others. Teaching kids to cover their mouths helps foster awareness of their impact on others.
It’s a basic yet essential habit for maintaining public hygiene and respect.
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Apologizing Sincerely
The ability to offer a sincere apology is a hallmark of good manners that is becoming less common. Some children today aren’t taught how to apologize meaningfully, which can lead to unresolved conflicts.
A heartfelt apology shows accountability and respect for the feelings of others. It helps repair relationships and demonstrates emotional maturity.
Encouraging sincere apologies teaches children the value of owning their mistakes.
Writing Letters by Hand
Writing letters by hand was once a common way to communicate and show thoughtfulness. With the rise of digital communication, handwritten letters are becoming a rarity, especially among younger generations.
Handwritten letters carry a personal touch that electronic messages often lack. They show time, effort, and care, making them a meaningful gesture of kindness.
Encouraging letter writing helps preserve this dying art of communication.
Saying “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am”
Addressing adults with “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” was once a universal way to show respect, particularly in more formal or traditional settings.
Today, this formality has largely disappeared in favor of more casual language.
Teaching children to use these respectful phrases can help instill a sense of formality and politeness. It also reinforces respect for elders and authority figures.
Using these phrases sets a tone of respect in conversations.
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Listening Without Interrupting
The art of listening without interrupting is becoming lost in today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world. Many children today aren’t taught the importance of letting others finish speaking before jumping in.
Listening patiently shows respect for the speaker and promotes thoughtful conversation. It also helps children learn to value the perspectives of others.
Encouraging this habit fosters better communication and understanding.
Respecting Personal Space
With the rise of more casual social norms, teaching children to respect personal space is becoming less common. Many kids today may not understand the importance of boundaries in social interactions.
Respecting personal space shows consideration for others’ comfort and boundaries. It helps create a respectful and safe environment for everyone.
Teaching this skill encourages mindfulness in both public and private spaces.
Responding Promptly to Invitations
Promptly responding to invitations, whether to a party or an event, was once a common courtesy. However, many people today delay their responses or fail to RSVP at all, leaving hosts uncertain.
Timely responses show respect for the host’s planning efforts and consideration for others’ time. It helps ensure that events run smoothly and that everyone is accounted for.
Encouraging prompt replies teaches children to respect others’ time and commitments.
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