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Guest Commentary

Brown: Mastering back-to-school manners

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Where did the summer go? Many of our children have started school or will be starting soon.

Because they spend over a third of their day at school, manners are of great importance.

Talking to your child about back-to-school manners will give your child the confidence they will need. As various social situations arise, they will know how to handle themselves. This gives them the opportunity to focus on learning new things and socializing with new friends.

Here are a few back to school manners that will help your child transition more easily through the new school year:

• Obey the classroom rules. Parents should ask the new teacher for these rules.

• Raise your hand and don’t speak out.

• Be a good listener and don’t interrupt.

• Help clean up.

• Take turns and share.

• Help others in need.

• Say “Please,” “Thank You,” and “You’re Welcome.”

• Respect your friends, teachers and school rules.

• At lunch, don’t share your drinks, do chew with your mouth closed, sit in your seat while eating, clean up and throw away your trash. Don’t grab or throw food.

• Practice the Golden Rule “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”

• Be kind to others.

• Don’t gossip or say mean things.

• Be the friend that you would like to have.

• Practice good hygiene (bath every day, brush your teeth, comb your hair, wear clean clothes, and keep your nails clean).

• Be on time.

• Teachers and adults should be called by called Miss, Mrs., Ms., or Mr. with their last names.

If you want your children to have good manners, make sure you set a good example.

After they hear you saying, “Please,” “Thank You,” and “You’re Welcome,” they are likely to follow. Praise them for being mindful of their manners to encourage them to continue.

Have a wonderful school year!

Editor’s Note: SueAnn Brown is the owner of It’s All About Etiquette.