There’s something deeply heart-warming about walking into a school and hearing cheerful voices say, “Hello Ma’am!” It’s not just polite — it’s a reflection of respect, kindness, and a school culture that values people.
In a world that sometimes feels rushed and disconnected, manners still matter — and teaching them to our children is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Or, as one of my favourite movie characters puts it (in a perfect British accent): “Manners maketh the man.”
Where Do Manners Come From?
Manners aren’t something children are born with — they’re taught, modelled, and reinforced. From a young age, children watch how adults speak, listen, and treat others. Every “please,” every “excuse me,” and every moment of eye contact teaches them something.
They learn from:
- Home life — seeing how parents speak to each other and to others
- School — watching how teachers set expectations and praise respectful behaviour
- Society — how adults treat cashiers, cleaners, waiters, and strangers
Manners don’t develop overnight. They grow in small, consistent moments: greetings at the door, polite table talk, apologies when needed, and being corrected kindly when a moment is missed.
Why Are Manners So Important?
Good manners go far beyond politeness — they’re the foundation for strong relationships, empathy, and effective communication. When children learn to be considerate of others, they also learn to handle conflict better, take turns, and manage themselves in social settings.
Manners help children:
- Build trust and respect with adults and peers
- Navigate difficult situations with grace
- Create positive first impressions
- Show appreciation and gratitude
- Develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence
And when a child feels confident in how they interact with others, they’re more likely to engage, ask for help, and participate actively — which all feeds into academic and personal success.
"Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot."
— Clarence Thomas
Why Mannered Children Are Often More Successful
It’s not just about being “nice.” Children with good manners are often:
- More respected by teachers, which can lead to greater support and mentorship
- Better at teamwork, because they know how to listen and take turns
- More resilient, because they understand boundaries and expectations
- More employable, even from a young age — job interviews, leadership roles, and community projects often favour those with a calm, respectful presence
Good manners open doors. They make people want to work with you, help you, and trust you. And that starts in childhood.
How Can We Teach Manners at Home?
1. Model the behaviour you want to see. Say “please” and “thank you” to your child — and let them hear you say it to others too.
2. Set clear expectations. Teach them to greet adults, say goodbye, make eye contact, and speak respectfully. Be consistent.
3. Praise polite behaviour. Simple “I liked how you said thank you just now” can go a long way in reinforcing habits.
4. Use real-life situations. Waiting in line, ordering food, visiting family — every moment is a teaching opportunity.
5. Be patient. Correct gently, and repeat often. Manners are habits built over time, not instant switches.
Those small moments — a child greeting you at the school gate, a smile with a “thank you,” or stepping aside to let someone pass — they matter. They reflect not only the values of the school and family but also the character of the child.
And yes, every time I walk into the school and hear a warm “Hello Ma’am,” I’m reminded of just how powerful manners can be. They create connection, respect, and dignity — and they set our children up for a future filled with opportunity.
Because truly, as the movie line says — and I can’t help but hear it in that perfect British accent —
“Manners maketh the man or woman.”
