Children should never be allowed to speak of an elder person by the last name without the proper prefix. They should also be taught, in addressing boys and girls, say, sixteen years of age, to use the prefix, as “Miss” or “Mr.,” before the given name; thus “Miss Alice” or “Mr. George.” In fact, all people should observe this rule in addressing the young, except in case the older person is very familiar with the younger, or in case the latter is too young to be so addressed.
Children are now taught to say, “Yes, mamma,” “What, mamma?” “Thank you, mamma,” “Yes, Mrs. Allen,” “What, Mrs. Allen?” etc., in preference to “Yes, ma’am,” “No, ma’am,” etc.
Children should be taught that it is rude to yawn without trying to suppress it, or without concealing the mouth with the hand; to whistle or hum in the presence of older persons; or to make any monotonous noise with feet or hands, beating time, etc.; to play with napkin rings, or any article at table during meal time; to pick the teeth with the fingers; to trim or clean one’s nails outside one’s room; to lounge anywhere in the presence of company; to place the elbows on the table, or to lean upon it while eating; to speak of absent persons by their first names, when they would not so address them if they were present; to acquire the habit of saying “you know,” “says he,” “says she;” to use slang words; to tattle; to hide the mouth with the hand when speaking; to point at anyone or anything with the finger; to stare at persons; to laugh at one’s own stories or remarks; to toss articles instead of handing them; to leave the table with food in the mouth; to take possession of a seat that belongs to another without instantly rising upon his return; to leave anyone without saying “good-by;” to interrupt any one in conversation; to push; to ridicule others; to pass, without speaking, any one whom they know; etc.
Some young people are not as particular as they should be about certain articles of the toilet, such as combs, brushes, etc. One should always have such things for his own individual use. It is exceedingly impolite to use any toilet article belonging to another.
It is ill-mannered to ask questions about affairs that do not concern one, or to pry into the private affairs of one’s friends. To inquire the cost of articles indiscriminately, is impudent.
If parents are not at home when visitors come in, or are too busy to see them at once, a child, in the absence of a maid, should politely show them in, offer them a comfortable chair, show them anything he thinks they will be interested in, and make every effort to entertain them agreeably until such time as his parents can take his place. He should then politely withdraw from the room.
Children and young people should early learn not to monopolize the best light or the most desirable seat in the room, but to look about when anyone enters, whether a guest or an older member of their own family, and see if by giving up their own place the new-comer may be made more comfortable.
A boy ought to show to his mother and sisters every attention he would show to any other woman. Should they chance to meet on the street he should politely raise his hat. He should allow them to pass first through a door, give them the inside of the walk, help them into a carriage, and everywhere and under all circumstances treat them with politeness and deference. Girls should of course treat their brothers in the same polite manner; for they can hardly expect to receive attentions where they are unwilling to bestow them.
Children, especially little boys, should be taught not to precede their mothers, or any woman, into theaters, street cars, churches, elevators, or into the house or even a room.