7. Be A Helpful Guest
I personally don’t think guests need to help out (they were invited, so why should they have to?), but, it’s definitely nice to offer. Whether it’s preparing a meal, setting the table, rounding up trash or doing dishes, I want my children to at least make it known to people they visit that they are available to assist as needed. It doesn’t matter if they are staying for a week, or just a few hours. I want my kids to be known for their willingness to contribute.
8. Say “Excuse Me”
Luckily, my son already knows how to say “excuse me” after he farts. And while it is often said with laughter, I’m just glad he says it. Some people burp, fart, bump into you or call out to you rudely instead of saying those two words. The reason we say “excuse me” is because the behavior is essentially inexcusable, and we are asking for people to overlook that. By not saying it when you’re doing something considered rude, you’re basically implying that you are exempt from needing to be relieved from your poor behavior. Nope. Doesn’t fly with me.
9. Offer Up Your Seat
When it comes to public transport, I do believe in the “first come, first served” concept in regards to seating. Those aboard first should get to choose their seats without judgment. The three exceptions to this rule, as far as I’m concerned, are those who are elderly, disabled or pregnant. No matter who gets on the bus first, if there are no seats left and someone in one of those categories gets on, I want my child to offer up his seat for that person. It’s not as though they are incapable of standing, but an energetic child doesn’t need to sit down as much as those people do.