Manners in Public Places

In our second installment of Mannerly Monday, let’s discuss what manners we could be teaching our children to use when they are in public places. Keeping in mind that we are approaching this topic from the perspective of being considerate of others, here are a few ideas we have tried to work on with our girls.

1) At a play, concert or other performance, sit quietly and still in your seat until the intermission so that others are not disturbed. If you arrive late to an event, enter as quietly as possibly and sit in the back rows. [Just a side note: parents should take into consideration the nature and length of the performance and the age and temperament of their child to ensure that it is a good fit. A typical three-year-old, for example, will probably have difficulty remaining still through a performance of Handel’s Messiah.]

2) While in a library, be respectful of others who are trying to read or study. Walk instead of run and talk in soft tones.

3) While in a waiting room, be thoughtful of others by reading or playing quietly. Refrain from running around or making loud noises.

4) At a ballgame or any other occasion where the National Anthem is played, stand at attention and sing along softly or listen silently as the occasion dictates.

5) When you are in an outside location, such as a park or playground, show respect for God’s creation. Always clean up your trash and be careful not to damage the trees, flowers or other landscaping.

Please do not think that we have mastered these things with our children! However, they are goals we are working toward to ensure that they know how to act in various situations and are a pleasure for us and others to be around.

Next Monday, I’ll be writing about manners for children when you are shopping. Although shopping is done in a public place, I believe that shopping with children is a whole different public “event” and needs its own day!

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