Etiquette for Children and Teens

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10

Lessons
12

Exams &
Assignments
4

Hours
average time
0.4

CEUs
721

Students
have taken this course

Course Description

Etiquette seems like an obsolete term in our modern world, however, more than ever, it is important to learn how to have solid social graces and just plain old good manners. Etiquette simply means learning how to treat others well and how to behave well in the majority of circumstances. Social media venues like texting, Facebook and Twitter have blurred the lines of socially acceptable and unacceptable behavior. It is easy to get out of control and become rash when it comes to trying to say or do the correct thing when texting, Facebooking or emailing. Because these mediums of communication are "faceless" they can lead children and teens to partake in rude, disrespectful behavior. To further complicate matters, a variety of confusing (and confused) media-spectacular role models give impressionable children and teens the wrong idea about how to behave.

Parents can't always be around to help their children make the right decisions. That is why it is vitally important for children and teens to learn how to treat people. They must be able to use their own good judgment based on the solid knowledge of what is respectful of others and dignified of themselves. This course will help parents provide that knowledge to their children.

This course is meant for adults, educators, parents, and caregivers who are responsible for two groups of children--children eight through twelve years old and teens thirteen through seventeen years old. Each lesson is set up with a general section as well as tips and guidelines specific for these two age groups. This course will teach the basics of good etiquette. A strong foundation in proper etiquette will last a lifetime. These are skills that can be used in the present for socializing, at school, at work, and in college; it will also serve them well into their future careers and social lives. Etiquette is not the exclusive domain of the wealthy and powerful of our society. Children and teens of any socioeconomic background can, and should, be taught good etiquette; good etiquette is for anyone who chooses to learn it.

This course is appropriate for those who want to teach etiquette and/or parents who would like to teach their children proper etiquette. It is written in general, uncomplicated terms and vocabulary so that students of all walks of life can easily grasp this knowledge.

Etiquette is far from being a new concept, but is not, by any means, an outdated, obsolete tradition. Rather, the importance of decorum in our modern world is more meaningful than ever. Having social graces will give children and teens a great advantage. As our contemporary society moves further and further away from practicing good manners in everyday life, those who have the ability to present themselves well socially, are able to be polite, and know how to treat others with respect will be those who possess an extraordinary skill. The child or teen who has these qualities will stand out among his or her peers. These traits will be valuable throughout their lives and will assist them if they choose to take positions of leadership and influence. However, no matter what a child or teen chooses to do in the future, the knowledge of proper etiquette will help them flourish in all situations. Taking the time and the effort now, while they are young, will reap them great rewards for a lifetime.

What is etiquette?

Manners, social skills, politeness, civility, graciousness, cordiality, decorum, correctness, and respect are all terms used to describe etiquette. However, rather than being any one of these individual things, etiquette is a combination of these qualities. It is the ability to treat others with respect, it is also having self respect; additionally, it is the knowledge of the correct things to do in social situations. Many would believe that etiquette is merely a quality extended to others when "in public," but in reality, it is a knowledge that, once learned, is carried into one's private and family life as well. A huge misconception is that those who have etiquette are reserved, stuffy, boring, and not much fun to be around. Not true at all! Etiquette should never be pretending to be someone you are not. The only exception to this rule is using correct behavior in serious situations. If you are an upbeat person who is always making jokes, that is fine, however, if you are at a funeral or another serious event, making jokes is not appropriate and shows a lack of respect for those who are grieving. Etiquette is always being yourself, but also being mindful of others.

Why is etiquette so important?

We often hear the term, "Don't judge a book by its cover," however, the truth of the matter is, we all make assumptions about others based on our first impressions and ongoing interactions with them. Those who treat us (and others) with respect, are usually those we want to spend more time with. They are people we enjoy being around, and because we like to be in their presence, we grow to trust them. Does this mean that having good manners makes one a good person? No, it does not. Neither does having bad manners make one a bad person. However, having good etiquette will provide one with the opportunity to meet, and be comfortable with, a variety of people in a variety of circumstances. Etiquette also has the effect of making others feel at ease.

Are manners and etiquette the same thing?

The answer to this question is yes -- and no. Having good manners is only a part of etiquette. Saying "please" and "thank you," having good table manners, sending thank you cards, and listening to people when they speak are the "mechanics" of etiquette. Etiquette goes much deeper than knowing the procedure of writing a good thank you note, or learning the correct way to shake a person's hand. It is certainly important to learn the correct methods of etiquette, but it is equally important to practice the methods often enough that they become ingrained behaviors. Etiquette, when practiced over time, will become second nature. It will fit comfortably, like a perfectly sized shoe.

Can etiquette be taught to children and teens?

Childhood and young adulthood is the perfect time to learn etiquette. As with learning languages, good hygiene practices, and good eating habits, internalizing etiquette will come easily to young people. In fact, proper etiquette is more easily learned by children than it is by adults. Teaching children and teens the benefits of etiquette first will give them a good understanding of why they should be motivated to learn. Before they begin the process of learning, they should understand that etiquette is simply knowing how to treat others with respect. Ask them if they can think of times when others treated them with respect. Have them tell you how it made them feel. Did she receive an invitation to a party or get together that made her feel special? Perhaps he attended a birthday party and received a thoughtful thank you note for his gift that made him realize that the recipient really did appreciate his gesture. If a young adult or child can relate what he or she is learning to his or her own experiences, motivation to learn will be boosted.

Conclusion

Etiquette is just as relevant today as it was 50 years ago, indeed, it may be more important in our modern world, since less people practice good etiquette than in the past. Having good etiquette will benefit a child or teen throughout his or her lifetime; it is a set of skills that will be highly appreciated by those they come in contact with, now and in the future. Good manners are important, but developing good etiquette is more than knowing the "mechanics." Having these methods ingrained so they are second nature, like brushing ones teeth, or closing a door when leaving the house is the ultimate goal of good etiquette.

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Accredited CEUs

Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider

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Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(645 votes)

Lesson 1 : Introduction to Modern Etiquette

The focus of Lesson 1 is to provide a solid foundation in understanding what etiquette is, how it differs from "manners," and the nuances of teaching this concept to children and teens. 10 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Review Article: What Is Etiquette?
Take Poll: Etiquette
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Complete Exam: Lesson 1 : Introduction to Modern Etiquette

Lesson 2 : Meetings and Introductions

It is important to understand how to properly introduce yourself and how to introduce others. 9 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Review 2 Articles: Making Introductions; Handshake Etiquette
Complete Exam: Lesson 2 : Meetings and Introductions

Lesson 3 : Conversation and Listening Skills

In the previous lesson, you learned a little about making conversation as part of an introduction. This lesson will focus more on how to start, continue, and end a conversation. 10 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Review 2 Articles: Active Listening Skills; Conversation Etiquette Mistakes
Take Poll: Listening
Complete Exam: Lesson 3 : Conversation and Listening Skills

Lesson 4 : Telephone/Cell Phone, Texting, Emailing, and Internet Etiquette

In our modern world, a lesson on etiquette regarding social media is necessary. It is hard to know what the right thing to do or say is when communicating with others in this way. 9 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video
Review 2 Articles: Texting Etiquette; 101 Email Etiquette Tips
Complete Exam: Lesson 4 : Telephone/Cell Phone, Texting, Emailing and Internet Etiquette

Lesson 5 : Etiquette in Public Places

The way you behave when you are out in public with friends and family reflects on you and your parents. 10 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Review Article: Movie Theater Etiquette
Complete Exam: Lesson 5 : Etiquette in Public Places

Lesson 6 : Employment/Volunteer Etiquette

At some point in your life, you may perform volunteer work or paid employment. While most of the same rules of etiquette apply in work situations as they do in personal situations, there are some differences. 9 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Complete Exam: Lesson 6 : Employment/Volunteer Etiquette

Lesson 7 : Dining Etiquette

Whether you are eating out in a restaurant, at home, or at someone else's home, good dining etiquette is important. 10 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video
Review 2 Articles: Dining Etiquette; Restaurant Etiquette for Kids
Complete Exam: Lesson 7 : Dining Etiquette

Lesson 8 : Social Gathering Etiquette (Guest and Host/Hostess)

Even if you are a young child, you will be invited to parties, and you will invite people to parties. It is just as important to be a good guest as it is to be a good host or hostess. 10 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Review Article: Party Etiquette
Complete Exam: Lesson 8 : Social Gathering Etiquette (Guest and Host/Hostess)

Lesson 9 : School Etiquette

You spend most of your day and week at school, so it is important to know what good school etiquette is. 10 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Review 2 Articles: Classroom Etiquette; Songs that Teach Good Manners
Complete Exam: Lesson 9 : School Etiquette

Lesson 10 : Confidence Without Arrogance

Exuding confidence is attractive. When you are confident, it makes others feel confidence in you, and it helps them trust you. 58 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Review Article: Raising Confident Kids
Take Poll: Confidence
Take Survey: Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
Complete Exam: Lesson 10 : Confidence Without Arrogance
Complete: The Final Exam

145

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define what etiquette is and how to teach it to children.
Demonstrate how to properly introduce yourself to other people.
Describe appropriate etiquette in conversations and describe how to be a good listener.
Define proper etiquette when using phones, email, texting, and other online communications.
Identify appropriate etiquette for public places.
Define proper employment/volunteer etiquette.
Describe appropriate etiquette for dining.
Describe appropriate etiquette for social gatherings.
Describe appropriate etiquette for school and educational settings.
Describe how to show confidence without coming off arrogant, and
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

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