“Wash the plate not because it is dirty nor because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.” -St. Teresa of Calcutta
While I was on the hunt for a good mini unit study on manners this semester, I started thinking about why teaching manners actually matter and started to realize how they are directly correlated to our faith and how we are called to be a loving neighbor to others and treat them with dignity.
I came across another mom’s explanation of manners that really resonated with me: We teach manners because they lay the foundation for charity. Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.
What respects others’ boundaries? What makes others feel most comfortable, especially when they are guests in our own home? Implementing manners helps our kids practice selfless and charitable thinking, in hopes that it becomes habitual throughout their lives. In a sense, we see manners as little steps toward growing in greater virtues.
When we treat others with respect, we affirm their dignity (Dignity: the state or quality of being worthy of respect). Therefore, manners are a clear and charitable way to honor others.
When we exercise manners, we are more likely to make others feel comfortable and at ease.
Manners can improve relationships with family, friends and peers. If we learn what it looks like to listen compassionately, respect boundaries, communicate the truth lovingly, how to read social cues, and give appropriate personal space, we are more likely to maintain and grow deeper and healthier relationships in life.
We have been enjoying the book Connoisseur Kids: Etiquette, Manners, Living Well for Parents and Their Little Ones and highly recommend it!
I personally think it would serve our world so well to have an on-going manners class given in school to kids in every grade level, because they are life skills that we use so often in life that are currently lacking.
Manners We Have Read About to Teach + Practice:
Eye Contact
Posture
Speaking Clearly
How to Write a Thoughtful and Prompt Thank You Card
How to Warmly Welcome Someone + Offer a Refreshment
A Good Handshake
How to Cover Your Mouth When Sneezing and Coughing
Setting the Table and Using Utensils Correctly
How to Carry a Balanced Conversation Well
How to Take a Proper Helping
How to Give Space in the Kitchen Around Food When Sick
Keeping A Tidy Room
How to Be a Proper Overnight Guest
Communicating Illnesses to Others to Gift Them Freedom of Choice
Thinking of Others First
Personal Space
Reading Social Cues
Wrapping A Gift
Giving and Receiving Gifts
Being a Warm Host
Washing Your Hands Before a Meal
Exercising Prudence with Food
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