Kindness in Action

At St. John’s, we know that raising children is about so much more than preparing them for academic success. It’s about shaping hearts, guiding character, and teaching them to reflect Christ’s love in all they do. One of the simplest, yet most impactful, ways we can do that is by instilling good manners.

At their core, good manners are really nothing more than being kind to others. When children learn to be polite, considerate, and respectful, they are living out the command Jesus gave us to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

Why Manners Matter for Christian Families

Good manners aren’t about perfection or following a list of rules—they’re about showing kindness and respect in everyday life. Manners teach children that their words and actions have power. A well-placed “thank you” can show gratitude, waiting their turn shows patience, and helping a friend in need reflects a servant’s heart.

Manners are one of the most natural ways to practice faith at home. When we teach our children to treat others with kindness, we are teaching them to see each person as a child of God, deserving of love and respect.

Everyday Manners All Children Should Learn

Here are some simple but important manners that parents can reinforce at home:

• Saying “please” and “thank you.” These little words reflect gratitude, humility, and respect.
• Greeting others warmly. A smile, eye contact, and kind words reflect Christ’s love to those around us.
• Using polite table manners. Family meals are a wonderful opportunity to teach self-control, gratitude, and consideration for others.
• Listening patiently. Teaching children to wait and not interrupt shows respect for the thoughts and words of others.
• Apologizing sincerely. Learning to admit mistakes and ask forgiveness mirrors the grace we receive through Christ.
• Helping others. From holding the door to offering a hand, acts of service teach children the joy of putting others first.

Parents as Role Models

Children learn best by watching us. When we say “please,” thank the cashier, greet neighbors warmly, or admit our mistakes, our children see manners lived out in real time. Modeling kindness and courtesy teaches far more than words ever could.

Manners as Everyday Faith

When we frame manners as kindness in action, our children begin to understand that their faith is lived out in small, daily choices. A child who grows up practicing good manners isn’t just polite—they are learning to be Christlike in how they treat others.

3 Simple Ways to Reinforce Manners at Home This Week

1. Model and Praise: Be intentional about using polite words and pointing them out when your child does the same. “I loved how you said thank you to Grandma—that was very kind!”
2. Practice at Mealtimes: Use family dinners as a daily opportunity to practice table manners, waiting turns to speak, and showing gratitude for the meal.
3. Connect Manners to Faith: Share a short Bible verse, like Ephesians 4:32 (“Be kind and compassionate to one another”), and remind your child that good manners are one way we live out that verse.

At St. John’s, we partner with parents to nurture both minds and hearts. By teaching children to use good manners rooted in kindness and Christian love, we are equipping them to live out their faith in simple but powerful ways—one kind word, one thoughtful action, one servant-hearted choice at a time.