By Janet Adetu

I hope you were able to read the part 1 in my Parenting Etiquette series. As promised here is the continuation. Keep reading!

(IV) Money Power (importance, usages)

Every child knows that without money they cannot acquire things of their hearts desire. “Money does not grow on trees” they say, so every child must know that hard work is the root of success. In the same light, it is very important to emphasize the art of saving for a rainy day or a given purpose. The ability to know the value of money and the need to handle it with great care in today’s global economy is of utmost priority. Teach your child how to invest.

(V) Respect for Elders is a Must

Some cultures do not play around with the need to respect those who are older than you. Respect for the elders should not just include the very elderly, but any adult who is much older than that child. When your child comes across people that are much older it is a rule that they greet them with honour and respect, they should offer to help or assist them at all times without being asked. A respectable child will always be seen as well behaved child; likeable and lovable.

(VI) Which Knife Which Fork?

A well – mannered child shows best traits while dining and at the dinner table. Without running the risk of laying too much emphasis on culture, your child should know basic dining etiquette, and proper behaviour whilst having breakfast, lunch or dinner. Do not allow your child to be too comfortable using the wrong method of cutlery. Correct all mistakes as you can muster immediately.

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(vii)   Magic Words

“Please,” “Thank you,””Excuse me”

Yes these may sound so common place but as you can witness today many children have taken them for granted.  If used every day at home, out of common courtesy, they should not pose any difficulty for the child. Appropriate use of these words will leave a great impression on the hearts and minds of those around.  When a good deed has been done, or your child has been offered a reward, or a kind gesture, “thank you” is in order. No matter which country or nationality, “merci”, “gratious” “asantesana”, “dankeseun”, “ese,” teach your child to use magic words as they are often called always. As parents try to use these words yourself extensively.

(viii)  Meet &Greet

Does your child or your children run and hide when visitors come to the house? It is good to practice the art of confidence building with your child/children from a young age. Ensure that your child cultivates the habit of pleasant greeting of your

friends, colleagues, relations. Teach your child the right words to say when greeting someone. Make it a point of duty that they come down and meet necessary visitors, like friends and family and say a decent greeting. The pride and glory is yours.

Example: “Hello Ma, (Aunty/Uncle) I’m Susanna, nice to meet you.”

(ix) Chores

Many children enjoy being looked after by a nanny or older relative, so most times do get a lot done for them. To keep their bedroom clean does become a huge issue for most teenagers and a burden to parents. Your child is never too young to learn the art of responsibility. Exercise the art of giving your child a sense of responsibility by giving him or her regular daily or weekly chores. This will inculcate in them a regular routine that will alleviate laziness traits that may be cultivating.

Find ideal chores for your child to do willingly and not grudgingly. Start with their room, bed, bathroom, clothing, shoes. Washing plates, emptying out the trash, washing dad’s car, cooking Sunday lunch, making up the bed, putting dirty washing in the washing machine are but a few ideas you may practice with.

(x) Health and Hygiene

My tips are incomplete without mentioning the need to teach your child personal hygiene no matter the age. Waking up to have a good shower, brush teeth, groom hair, use of body cream and deodorants is mandatory.Ensuring that clothes worn are perfectly clean and odourless must be taken seriously. Your child could exhibit leadership traits, therefore must acknowledge that image and appearance is the number one criteria for success.

(xi) Share the Spirit

Teach your child the need to give to the poor and the needy. Let them recognise that generosity and charity is very rewarding, the spirit of giving must be shared. Take your child with you to charity walks, shows and events, to appreciate that the less privileged have a life to live too. Everything in life is not gold.Good luck in your mission as a parent.

These tips should be read over again and again to make this journey smoother.

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