Dear Readers,
Recently, I received a question from one of you asking when to start teaching etiquette to children.
Is there such a thing as teaching etiquette too early?
In my opinion, the earlier you start, the more natural etiquette becomes to each individual.
Many people assume that etiquette is too strict for children - that it crushes their playfulness or prevents them from being their silly, creative selves. While that might be true if etiquette is taught with an angry tone and punishment, it certainly isn’t the case when it’s introduced playfully.
The secret lies in the delivery.
If we turn “don’t do this” or “stop doing that” into “Unfold the Napkin Game” or the “Handshake Challenge,” suddenly, manners become fun.
Etiquette isn’t about rules for the sake of rules. At its core, it’s about respect: for others, for shared spaces, and for ourselves. And what better time to start nurturing that sense of respect than during childhood?
If you’ve ever seen a five-year-old confidently say, “Nice to meet you,” while giving a proper handshake, you’ll know: teaching etiquette to kids isn’t about turning them into little robots. It’s about helping them navigate the world with kindness, confidence, and a touch of charm.
We don’t need to overwhelm kids with a full dining protocol or the rules of royal courtesies. We start small and simple: how to hold their silverware properly, how to place a napkin on their lap, how to say “thank you” sincerely, or even how to behave kindly in online chats. These are bite-sized lessons that grow with them.
Over time, we can add new layers - how to introduce ourselves politely, make eye contact, offer a firm but friendly handshake, or write a thoughtful thank-you note.
In my opinion, kids who grow up with etiquette don’t just act polite - they are polite. It becomes second nature. By the time they reach adolescence, they’re not scrambling to figure out how to behave at dinner parties, interviews, or in group chats. They’ve had the tools all along.
So yes - kids should learn good manners. And the earlier, the better.But they should learn them with laughter, curiosity, and encouragement.
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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