was introduced to good manners when I was very young. My mother would accept nothing less than good behavior from my sister, my brother and myself. Before we left the house to go somewhere, my mother used to say, "Have a good time and mind your manners." She expected her children to be kind and courteous to everyone they met.

Manners are a special way of acting toward other people. It is a way of treating them the way you would like to be treated. Being kind and caring about the rights and feelings of others is the first rule of good manners. When you think about the feelings of others, it is easier to be kind. When you are thoughtful of others, you feel happier yourself.

Manners are rules that people have developed for living, playing and working together. These rules are designed to make life more pleasant for everyone. Good manners help everyone to behave in a responsible way and to acquire good citizenship skills. Having good manners and a kind heart will help everyone become a person of good character.

This book was written to help boys and girls learn and practice good manners everyday at home, at school and in their community.

Oh, how pleasant life would be,

If I were a kinder, nicer me.

I’d greet each person in a cheerful way

And say please and thank-you every day.

ow can you become a mannerly child? Begin by asking yourself, "Am I the kind of person that I’d like to have for a friend?" "How can I become the ‘me’ I’d like to be?" Read the list of kind and thoughtful behavior that follows. Think about each item. You have the power to change the way you act and to become a kinder, nicer child. Remember that good manners begin with you.

Put a check in the box next to each thing on the list that you already do to practice good manners.

The "me" I’d like to be…

	tries to be kind and courteous.
	greets others cheerfully.
	remembers to say "please" and "thank you."
	practices good table manners.
	tries to be clean and dress neatly.
	does not spread germs by sneezing and
	coughing all over the place.
	listens when others are speaking.
	takes part in a conversation by listening and
	sharing ideas.
	respects everyone’s feelings.
	does not say mean things about others.
	does not ignore people.
	tries to be fair to everyone.
	tries to include everyone in activities.

	does not call another child names.
	never laughs when someone makes a mistake.
	never brags or shows off.
	cooperates with others in work and play.
	respects another person’s right to privacy.
	does not snoop or ask personal questions.

	does not borrow anything without asking permission.
	returns borrowed things on time and in good condition.
	never takes anything that belongs to someone else.
	never leaves a mess for others to clean up.
	follows the rules wherever I am.

	tries to keep my temper when others make me angry.
	does not always insist on having my own way.
	talks things over instead of fighting.
	is reliable and keeps promises.
	never shoves or pushes, but waits my turn.
	takes only a fair share of anything and is not greedy.
	does not blame others for my mistakes.
	says "excuse me" or "I’m sorry" when I do something that upsets others.
	does not pick on or bully another child.

aving good manners helps both adults and other children
like and respect you. People will treat you with kindness and courtesy when you are pleasant and agreeable. It will also help you enjoy the company of others more and learn how to make and keep friends.

When you want to do something and try hard to do it, you are setting a goal for yourself. It’s important to set personal goals that help you practice good manners! Look back at the list for ideas. Add some ideas of your own.