A valuable social skill that is often ignored
by parents is teaching their children how to greet
adults. With grandparents, other relatives
and family friends, the greeting situation is made
easier because children are familiar with these
people. A “hi” or “hello” followed
by the person’s name – and often a
hug! – is the usual greeting. That’s
appreciated by everyone and is easy for a child
to do. But meeting a stranger is hard and
sometimes a little scary.
When children are introduced to an adult they
don’t know, their natural tendency is to
hang back in silence.But from the earliest
ages, I’ve taught little ones – both
boys and girls – that there’s nothing
to be afraid of. A child can meet an unfamiliar
adult with confidence if their parents have taught
and practiced what I call a Happy Handshake.
When I teach a Time for Manners class, I always
tell the children
that there are five important
things to remember when meeting
new people –
- Stand up tall and smile
- Look the person in the eye
- Reach out with your right hand
- Grasp the other person’s hand in a firm
grip
- Shake hands so the person knows you are happy
to meet them
That’s a Happy Handshake!
If you make a fun game out of the handshake and
practice it, children will remember and might only
need a little prompting, like “Jimmy, show
Mr. Smith how you give a Happy Handshake!” Grown-ups
are often surprised that girls should shake hands
just like boys do, with a firm, confident grip. But
all their lives, both boys and girls will need
the social confidence that a good handshake provides.
And it all starts with a Happy Handshake!
HHH Archives:
1 - Summertime is Good Manners
Time
2 - Grandparents Are The Greatest
3 - Let’s be Gracious at Grandma’s
