15 Manners Kids Don’t Have Anymore

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It’s hard to miss how much things have changed over the years. Once upon a time, children were practically little Emily Posts, reciting “please” and “thank you” like their lives depended on it. Fast forward to today, and it’s like we’ve entered a parallel universe where manners are some mythical concept from the past. You know, back when kids knew how to behave in public without being bribed with an iPad. Don’t get me wrong—kids these days are smart, tech-savvy, and full of potential, but somewhere along the way, basic manners seem to have slipped through the cracks.

Teaching manners isn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world. It’s hard enough getting kids to brush their teeth without World War III breaking out in the bathroom. But still, you’d think that some of the basics—like holding the door open for someone or not interrupting every five seconds—would stick. Instead, what we’re seeing more and more is a generation of kids who might know how to navigate a smartphone better than we do but couldn’t tell you the first thing about saying “excuse me” when they bump into someone.

It’s not entirely their fault, though. With all the chaos of modern life, who has the time to sit down and teach the finer points of social etiquette? But as much as we’d like to believe that manners don’t matter anymore, they really do. They’re the little things that make life more pleasant, that show respect and consideration for others, and that, frankly, make kids a lot more tolerable to be around. 

Saying “Please” and “Thank You”

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Remember when “please” and “thank you” were the magic words? Now, they’re more like ancient relics. Kids today are quick to make demands, but those little phrases that show appreciation? Not so much. It’s like they think good manners are optional, but they’re really just basic human decency.

Holding the Door for Others

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Once upon a time, it was common courtesy to hold the door for the person behind you. Nowadays, it’s every man, woman, and child for themselves. Kids seem more likely to slam the door shut or walk right through, oblivious to the person struggling with an armful of groceries.

Covering Their Mouths When They Cough or Sneeze

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Let’s be honest. No one wants to get sprayed by a rogue cough or sneeze. It used to be that kids were taught to cover their mouths, but now? It’s like they’re auditioning for a role in a germ-spreading competition. A simple hand or elbow would do the trick, but that seems to be asking too much.

Waiting Their Turn to Speak

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Ah, the lost art of not interrupting. Once, kids were taught to wait their turn in conversation. Now, it’s a free-for-all where whoever shouts the loudest wins. Interrupting is practically the new normal, leaving adults wondering if they’ll ever finish a sentence again.

Writing Thank You Notes

Person Holding a Pencil and Writing on an Envelope

Remember the days when kids wrote actual thank you notes? Not a text, not an emoji-filled message, but an honest-to-goodness handwritten note. Now, gratitude is expressed in three characters or less, if at all. The thoughtfulness behind a thank you note? Totally MIA.

Apologizing When They’re Wrong

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Once upon a time, kids were taught to say “I’m sorry” when they messed up. Today, admitting fault seems to be harder than cracking the Da Vinci Code. Instead of a simple apology, kids often resort to excuses, blame-shifting, or just ignoring the issue altogether.

Using Proper Table Manners

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Gone are the days when kids were taught how to properly set a table, use utensils correctly, and chew with their mouths closed. Now, it’s all about grabbing food with their hands, talking with full mouths, and forgetting what a napkin is even for. Etiquette at the dinner table? Not even on the radar.

Respecting Personal Space

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Personal space? What’s that? Kids today seem to have forgotten the importance of not getting up in everyone’s face. Whether it’s leaning too close or touching things that don’t belong to them, the concept of boundaries is fading fast.

Addressing Adults with Respect

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Remember when kids called adults “Mr.” or “Ms.”? Yeah, not so much anymore. First-name basis seems to be the norm now, and while it’s nice to be friendly, a little respect wouldn’t hurt. The days of “sir” and “ma’am” feel like they’re long gone.

Listening Without Talking Back

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Talking back used to be a big no-no, but now it’s almost expected. Kids today are quick to argue, debate, and challenge every instruction. Listening quietly and respectfully? That’s practically an endangered species.

Not Using Their Phones at the Table

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There was a time when family dinners were about, you know, family. But now, phones have taken center stage, and kids are more focused on screens than on conversations. The idea of putting the phone down and engaging with those around them? Almost unheard of.

Cleaning Up After Themselves

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Once upon a time, kids were taught to clean up their messes, whether it was toys, dishes, or anything else. Now, it’s like they expect a magical cleaning fairy to do it for them. Personal responsibility? It’s becoming a lost art.

Greeting People Politely

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“Hello” and “nice to meet you” used to be standard greetings, but these days, kids are more likely to mumble something under their breath or give a half-hearted nod. Polite introductions? Apparently, they’ve gone out of style.

Making Eye Contact

Mom Kids
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Eye contact is a simple way to show respect and engagement, but it’s becoming a rarity among the younger generation. Kids today are more likely to stare at their shoes or a screen than look someone in the eye during a conversation. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference, but it’s fading fast.

Saying “Excuse Me”

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Whether they’re pushing past someone in a crowded space or accidentally bumping into someone, the words “excuse me” seem to be on the endangered list. Instead of acknowledging their actions, kids today are more likely to brush it off and move on without a second thought.

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