_PERSONAL HABITS._
_Note._--These directions, although exceedingly important, are not,
in many cases, agreeable topics of conversation. Therefore, in
giving them, teachers must use their good taste and discretion in
deciding whether to give arbitrarily or not. When they are given
without comment they should be impressed on the memory of the child
by calling for frequent repetitions of items, and by patient and
continued enforcement of directions, whenever the occasion presents
itself. The connection between the direction and the spirit of
kindness should be traced whenever it is possible to do so. Lessons
on manners in school may be taken as a guide when it is thought
best to enlarge upon any item. Whether or not a lesson be given to
the younger children on the importance of attending to personal
habits may be left to the discretion of a teacher.
LESSON 7.
=Purpose.=--To show the necessity of attention to personal habits.
=Method.=--An item read with or without comment.
_The Lesson._
Although personal habits are not pleasant topics of conversation,
it seems necessary to give them some consideration. Many young
people indulge in certain practices that are disagreeable and
impolite, perhaps not so much from lack of knowledge of what is
proper as from thoughtlessness and from not appreciating the
importance of giving these matters due attention. Young people
should realize that these matters, although seemingly trifling,
are sufficient to show whether they have been accustomed to polite
society or not. There is nothing which tells more quickly. Minute
attention to personal habits gives one an air of refinement and
attractiveness which can be gained in no other way.
SUGGESTIONS FOR INSTRUCTION RELATING TO PERSONAL HABITS.
1. Whatever has been said in reference to cleanliness in school
applies out of school as well. Cleanliness is a pretty certain sign
of good breeding. Every consideration of health and good taste and
refinement urges to cleanliness. Never think to hide uncleanliness.
If your habits are not neat, it will be known.
2. Never neglect the details of the toilet. Such toilet offices
as cleaning the nails, the ears, the nose, are proper only in the
privacy of one’s apartment. The nails should not be bitten. It
destroys their beauty, and is an impolite and unhealthy habit.
3. Many people have a habit of continually feeling of the face or
hair. This is not a mark of refinement of manners, and should not
be indulged in. “Fussing” with anything, twirling things, drumming,
should be avoided. When the hands are not necessarily employed,
they should be kept quiet.
4. The feet should not be kept constantly and unnecessarily in
motion, nor should they be brought into notice when possible to
avoid it. Young ladies should not sit with the feet extended and
crossed. No one should sit with the feet on the rounds of a chair.
Tapping on the floor with the foot is not in good form.
5. Spitting is a disgusting habit. Avoid it whenever it is
possible. Never give attention or refer to a sore on the face or
hands when others are present. Yawning and stretching in company
are considered rude. Hiccoughing and sneezing should be avoided, if
possible.
6. The mouth should be kept closed, unless there is some good
reason for opening it. One who has a habit of keeping the mouth
open continually is considered weak mentally, if not physically.
7. Incessant smiling or laughing is silly and disagreeable. Smiling
or laughing is allowable when there is something to laugh at.
Giggling is unpardonable. Hearty laughter is allowable in some
places, but boisterous laughter never. As a general thing the
countenance should be kept in repose. This implies neither a silly
nor a stern expression, but one indicative of kindness and common
sense.
8. A loud or otherwise disagreeable voice is not a mark of the best
manners. If such a voice is natural, it may be trained and toned
down as in singing. A person of real refinement may have a peculiar
voice, but not a disagreeably loud one. Humming is disagreeable and
impolite.
9. Boys should not carry their hands in their pockets. Boys should
not whistle when it will disturb or annoy any one.