Public Manners and Traveling Rule # 6
Rule:It is proper but not necessary to say “bless you” or “gesundheit” when someone sneezes. Reason:There is an old superstition that when the breath in a sneeze leaves the body, the soul may go also. To prevent the death of someone who sneezes, we say “bless you.” Application:Teach your children about the tradition of saying “bless you” and teach them to simply say thank you when someone says “bless you” after their sneezes. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Public Manners and Traveling Rule # 5
Rule:When you feel a bout of sneezing coming on, you should excuse yourself and retreat from the group. Reason:A bout of sneezing or coughing can be disturbing, annoying, and offensive to those who feel captive to them. Application:If you (or your child) are in a public place such as church, a meeting, or the movies, and you can’t seem to stop coughing, quietly say excuse me and slip out of the room. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Public Manners and Traveling Rule # 4
Rule:Sneezes should be covered. Reason:Hordes of germs may be scattered onto bystanders if the sneeze is not caught in a tissue or the hands. Application:Make sure your children have tissues with them to catch a sneeze, but also teach them how to turn their head and sneeze into their sleeve or other clothing, so they won’t spread germs to others. Also, teach them to wash their hands often. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Public Manners and Traveling Rule # 3
Rule:By age five (or about the time they start school) children should be able to understand that what they wear is important. Reason:About school age or before, children become more socially aware. Their dress and grooming habits are observed and judged by others. Application:Teach your children how the way they look shows respect or disrespect for the people they are around. Show them how their heroes choose the appropriate attire for their sport or for the beauty contest they want to enter. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Public Manners and Traveling Rule # 2
Rule:In public, you should know the rules about what is not appropriate. Reason:Grooming is a private affair and should be done in privacy. Application:To prevent your own embarrassment, never comb your hair, pick your teeth, or put on makeup in public. Retreat to a public restroom to take care of any grooming needs. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Public Manners and Traveling Rule # 1
Rule:In public, always mind your manners so no one will have to observe your bad manners. Reason:In public, we are always on display. We are always making an impression – either a good one or a bad one. Application:Coach your children in good grooming and proper attire. Ask them to picture their soccer coach coming to practice in hockey gear or in only swim trunks.
If you continue to coach your child to brush, comb, and wash, when they reach their teens your job may be complete. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 17
Rule:You should stand at least 18 inches from the person with whom you are having a conversation. Reason:Any closer makes people very uncomfortable. Application:Teach your children to have good eye contact, but not to get right in someone’s face when talking to them. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 16
Rule:It is good manners to make pleasant conversation with other people. Reason:To have friends we need to know how to talk to people about various subjects. Application:Teach your children that if they don’t know what to talk about, to ask a question that requires more than a yes or a no answer. For instance, say, “I’ve known Mary since she came to our church. How do you know her?” If you say, “Are you having fun?” the answer will probably be a simple yes or no and then you have to think of something else to say Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 15
Rule:In the book of Deuteronomy we are commanded to teach our children proper conduct. Reason:Manner’s were God’s idea first. Application:The first and best way to obey that command is by being a good role model. Our children imitate us whether our actions are good or bad. We are our children’s first teachers by default. They do learn from us and our behavior. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 14
Rule:People who require assistance prefer to hold onto our arm, not the other way around. Reason:If we hold onto a person with a disability, we will have little success preventing a fall. Application:Teach your children to offer their arm to someone who might need help. Say, “Would you like to hold my arm as we cross the street?” Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 13
Rule:People with one disability do not automatically have others. Reason:A person with a visual impairment may have a keen ability to hear. Application:Teach your children that when they see a person who obviously cannot see, not to shout because being blind does not make that person deaf. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 12
Rule:It is proper to ask individuals with a disability if they would like your help. Reason:To ask if you might help is better than saying, “Oh, you might get hurt. Let me help.” Application:For example, if your children see someone in a wheel chair having trouble maneuvering, teach them to ask if the individual would like some help. Explain to your children that some people with disabilities prefer to do everything for themselves, no matter how difficult the task. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 11
Rule:The proper words used when speaking of people who are physically challenged have changed. Reason:People with disabilities want to be treated as much as possible like people who have no limitations. Application:Teach your children not to say a person is disabled, but to speak of a person with a disability or limitation. Explain that we should always think of the person first and then his or her disability. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 10
Rule:Well-mannered people remember that pointing can be impolite – sometimes. Reason:No matter where we point, others will think we are pointing at them. Application:Teach your children never to point at another person and make a funny remark, such as, “Look at that man with the crooked walk.” It is permissible to point out a specific object like a building when someone asks for directions. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 9
Rule:There are some special rules for visiting a museum. Reason:You are probably with a lot of other people who want to enjoy the exhibit as much as you. Application:Keep your voice low at all times, walk and never run, stay with the family, stay with your group’s guide and don’t go wandering off with another group because you like the other guide better. Be careful to read and obey the “Do not touch” signs, and thank the guide when your tour is over. Tips are not necessary in museums. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 8
Rule:In public places there are rules for audience participation, especially for children. Reason:You don’t want the other adults to cringe when they see you enter with your children. Application:See that you and your children don’t kick the seats in front of you, prop your feet near someone’s head, leave your seat repeatedly to go to the concession stand or to the bathroom, talk throughout the movie or the performance, sigh and groan when you approve or disapprove, or sniffle without a tissue throughout the program. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 7
Rule:There is a proper way to applaud. Reason:Applause performed incorrectly sounds like slapping. Application:Clap with the fingers of one hand into the palm of the other hand. Don’t clap in front of your face. Shoulder level is better. Do not applaud after others have stopped. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 6
Rule:There are rules about applauding in public places. Reason:At the ballet, applause comes at the conclusion of a dance or a scene. At the symphony, applause is appropriate when the conductor or guest soloist walks out onto the stage. The clapping ceases when the conductor steps onto the podium and raises his baton. Then after the musical presentation when the conductor turns to face the audience and bows, the patrons applaud for the music they have heard. Application:Look up various arts in an encyclopedia or go online to learn the particulars of whatever type artistic performance you and your children plan to attend. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 5
Rule:When you attend an artistic performance, don’t hum, fidget, or jangle jewelry, tap with your fingers, open and snap purses, jackets, or daytimer notebooks. Reason:Disturbing others is very selfish. Application:Leave the daytimer notebook at home and turn off your cell phone. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 4
Rule:If you are attending an artistic performance and it has begun, do not enter until an usher says you may. Reason:Patrons have purchased expensive tickets, and they have arrived on time, trying not to disturb. They deserve respect. Application:If for some unavoidable reason you and your family have been detained and are late to a performance, wait in the foyer or the outer hall until you are told you may enter. When you do enter, be careful to say excuse me and try not to step on others’ feet. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 3
Rule:Education about the fine arts begins at home. Children should have the opportunity to experience and learn to enjoy fine music, art, and literature. Reason:Such an education will enrich any child’s life. Application:Take your children to museums, art galleries, and exhibits. Rent videos or CDs of performances such as The Nutcracker. Read classic children’s stories to your children. Go to the Children’s Theatre to see such plays as Little Women. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 2
Rule:Children should be taught good sportsmanship at home by playing games. Reason:Their lives will be filled with opportunities of give and take, win and lose. Application:At home and in public set a good example of tolerance, patience, and cooperation. Sore losers do not make good teachers. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Other Good Manners Rule # 1
Rule:The rules of athletic etiquette produce good fan conduct and good sportsmanship. Reason:Most of the rules are for our safety. Application:Let your children observe you practicing these necessary guidelines regarding any sport: Arrive on time. Stay seated unless everyone stands so that fans behind you can see. Take your proper place in the concession line. Never push and shove. Walk slowly with the group. Don’t shout insults at the opposing team. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
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