From a young age, children learn the ins and outs of using good manners. They are often reminded to say "please" and "thank you," to chew food with their mouths closed, and to look others in the eye. In my experience teaching children's etiquette and manners classes, kids sometimes view manners as stuffy and boring rules to follow. I challenge them to consider how using good manners can actually benefit them in many ways.

Using good manners has a multitude of positive benefits for kids today and as they grow. Here are three:

#1 Builds positive relationships

Using good manners and being polite can make it easier to establish and maintain friendships, make a good impression on important adults, such as teachers, sports coaches, and neighbors.

For example, let's say a child is invited to a friend's home for a play date. The child who uses polite words and is respectful is much more likely to be invited back. That's a win for both kids!

#2 Opens doors of opportunity Academics can have an important place in the opportunities that open to us. But what about the impact of top-notch manners? For one, they can allow us to stand out from our peers. Those who show their best selves are more likely to be given opportunities in the classroom, on a sports team, in the community, and in the future when they are working adults.

A teacher may select a polite and well-mannered student to serve as a buddy to a new child in school. A coach may choose the player who is likeable and trustworthy to act as a leader and role model for the other players.

#3 Enhances self-confidence

Using good manners helps us to show our best self to the world. It's a wonderful way of showing respect and care for others. It also helps raise our confidence in our ability to navigate a variety of social situations.

When presented with new situations such as being the new kid in school or going to a birthday party where they don't know many other children, it can feel daunting and downright hard. When kids already know and have practiced the easy steps to introduce themselves, for example, they will have more confidence in their ability to handle new settings.

So, if your kids bemoan your appeals to use manners, remind them that in the long-run using them will serve them well in so many ways, including the three noted above.

Your turn

Feel free to share your thoughts on how using good manners can help children and adults alike.